J.J. McCarthy, Jameis Winston Giants QB1 Competition Discussed by John Harbaugh Ahead of Texans Game

J.J. McCarthy played well in place of Jameis Winston during Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints, but New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh isn't ready to announce the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the Houston Texans just yet.

"We're working through that now. Honing in on a decision," he told reporters Monday while saying a determination of "what gives us the best chance to win the football game" will be considered.

The quarterback position has been a roller coaster this season for the Giants.

Presumed franchise signal-caller Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury, which forced Winston into action. The Florida State product started poorly with zero touchdown passes and an interception against the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans but then directed a win over the Arizona Cardinals with three touchdown passes to two interceptions.

He then led the Giants' comeback in a 27-27 tie to the Washington Commanders with three touchdown passes to zero interceptions and seemed to be the quarterback the team would rely on for the rest of the season even though it traded for McCarthy shortly after Dart's injury.

However, things may have changed Sunday.

▶️Full Saints-Giants Recap

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Winston struggled with two interceptions as New York fell behind 34-10 in the fourth quarter and decided to give McCarthy a chance. And it didn't get much better in the immediate aftermath, as the Michigan product threw an interception on his first possession.

However, he led three scoring drives with two touchdowns and a field goal in the fourth quarter and drove all the way to the Saints' 14-yard line with a chance to tie it in the final seconds before turning it over on downs.

It was a valiant comeback effort, and McCarthy finished 11-of-21 for 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

While he never lived up to expectations with the Minnesota Vikings as the No. 10 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft, McCarthy may have a chance to build on Sunday's showing and turn things around with the Giants depending on Harbaugh's decision.