The New York Giants have expanded the offensive playbook available to quarterback J.J. McCarthy to nearly full capacity as he prepares to start.
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said the staff spent four weeks teaching McCarthy the complete offense rather than isolated packages. The share of calls he could handle grew from roughly 50 percent in the first two weeks to 90 percent last week. This week it will reach 100 percent.
“We fully feel as a staff, Coach Callahan has done an amazing job working with him and getting him ready. We feel confident about it,” Nagy told reporters. “And now for us, it’s a matter of doing what he does well and what we do well to put it all together.”
Nagy identified McCarthy’s operation as the clearest strength. That process covers receiving the play call, reaching the line of scrimmage, reading formations and motions, managing the play clock, and completing the necessary checks with the center. His red-zone throws and steady demeanor throughout the four-week stretch also stood out.
McCarthy’s athletic traits closely resemble those of Jaxson Dart. The similarity restores a portion of the original offensive design built around those abilities. Nagy estimated that about 20 percent of the 30 percent of concepts previously unavailable have returned, reducing the risk of predictable packages.
The Giants must still improve the running game. Nagy said the staff began the week by reviewing schemes that have worked and identifying simple areas where players can execute better. After five weeks, patience has ended. One-dimensional play will not succeed against the Houston Texans.
Fewer backs on the field would create more carries and better rhythm. Nagy praised Cam Skattebo for handling limited opportunities like a professional and noted Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s two touchdowns last week as evidence of a constructive response.
The staff intends to keep concepts manageable while aligning them with what McCarthy and the skill players do well.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants expand playbook to 90 percent for J.J. McCarthy