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Giants Plan to Start JJ McCarthy Against Texans
· Confirmed
In Short: Despite McCarthy's impressive performance in relief against the New Orleans Saints, where he nearly led the Giants back from a 24-point deficit, the decision to start him is not without its risks.
Multiple sources, including ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and NFLTradeRumors.co (Colombia), report that the New York Giants plan to start quarterback J.J. McCarthy against the Houston Texans in Week 7.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Tsn (Canada) both confirmed that McCarthy will take over as the starting quarterback, with veteran Jameis Winston moving to the backup role.
Bleacher Report and CBS Sports also reported that McCarthy will start, while Sportsnet (Canada) and The Big Lead echoed the same sentiment.
The Big Lead and Bleacher Report noted that McCarthy struggled in his previous season with the Minnesota Vikings, completing only 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions in 10 games.
According to Bleacher Report, McCarthy's first drive against the Saints was marred by an interception, but he finished the game with 243 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
The Giants traded for McCarthy in September from the Vikings, who had drafted him 10th overall in 2024, as reported by Sportsnet (Canada) and Tsn (Canada).
Coach John Harbaugh, as reported by Big Blue View, was still 'honing in' on a decision after McCarthy's performance against the Saints, but ESPN and Tsn (Canada) confirmed the plan to start McCarthy.
The decision to start McCarthy over Winston, who had been the starter for the past four games, is seen as a gamble by some, as noted by Big Blue View and Bleacher Report.
Fans who participated in a poll on Big Blue View overwhelmingly favored McCarthy as the starter, indicating a strong desire for change.
The Giants' decision to start McCarthy is a significant shift, as Winston had been the starter since Jaxson Dart's injury, as reported by Sportsnet (Canada) and The Big Lead.
While the reports from various outlets agree on the decision to start McCarthy, they differ slightly in the details of his performance and the risks involved.
All outlets agree that the Giants are set to start J.J. McCarthy against the Houston Texans in Week 7, with Jameis Winston moving to the backup role.
What this adds
The Giants' decision to start McCarthy is a significant move, reflecting the team's belief in his potential despite his previous struggles.
Background
The Giants are hoping McCarthy can build on his performance against the Saints, where he showed promise despite the loss.
What's confirmed
- The quarterback decision is the big story this week, but it is hardly the only one., The biggest storyline of the week heading into the New York Giants Week 7 game vs. the Houston Texans is whether the Giants will start Jameis Winston or J.J.
- On Monday, he said the team was still “honing in” on a decision.
- According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Giants plan to start J.J.
- McCarthy at quarterback this week against the Houston Texans, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Wednesday.
- EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants are turning to J.J.
- McCarthy replaced Jameis Winston in the Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints, and now ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that McCarthy will start for the Giants in Week 7 against the Houston Texans.
- Veteran Jameis Winston, who had been starting in place of the injured Jaxson Dart, will return to his backup spot after he was benched in favor of McCarthy during the Giants’ Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
What's still developing
- McCarthy gives them mobility that allows them to expand their playbook, and maybe untapped upside at just 23 years of age.
- Giants head coach John Harbaugh wasn’t ready to decide on Sunday night after McCarthy’s fourth-quarter heroics nearly brought the Giants back from a 24-point deficit in a 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
- It is a frustrating ride with Winston, but the Giants have lost one time in his four starts this season, and as a captain and member of the team’s Leadership Council, it is clear how much respect his teammates have for him.
- Still, it is important to remember that despite his impressive relief performance on Sunday, the Giants were able to get McCarthy because a team with a shaky quarterback situation had him as QB3 and was happy to be rid of him.
- Do they venture into the unknown with McCarthy, and perhaps risk upsetting what has thus far been a mostly harmonious locker room?
- The Giants were interested in free agent running back Kenneth Walker before he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Mauigoa is having a rocky start to his career.
- Do the Giants stay with Winston’s experience and his knowledge of the offense?
- McCarthy is looking to get is career back on track, as the former first-round pick failed to meet expectations as a member of the Vikings.