J.J. McCarthy has got a golden opportunity to jumpstart his career with the New York Giants. The team has been struggling at quarterback ever since they lost starting quarterback Jaxson Dart in Week 2, who hurt his knee against the Los Angeles Rams and was ruled out for the year.
Veteran backup Jameis Winston took his place. Winston helped the team win two games and tie one, taking the lead in the NFC East.
In response to issues and uncertainty at quarterback position, on September 28, the Giants traded a fifth-round draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings for McCarthy. The No. 10 draft pick of the 2024 NFL Draft was playing as a third-string backup behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz in Minnesota.
Craig Carton Blasts John Harbaugh For Naming J.J. McCarthy Giants QB1
Giants lost 34-27 to the New Orleans Saints last week; Winston threw two interceptions and was benched when the team was losing by 24 points. McCarthy entered the game and helped the team mount an incredible comeback but ultimately fell short. He finished with 243 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, completing 11 out of 21 passes.
On Sunday, head coach John Harbaugh rejected the idea of a lineup change. Yet, on Wednesday, the Giants officially named McCarthy QB1 for Week 7 against the Houston Texans. WFAN host Craig Carton strongly disagreed and said:
“J.J. McCarthy era has begun for the Giants. Season over,” Carton said. “What a ridiculously stupid decision by your hero Johnny Harbaugh to turn the Giants season, a season in which you guys have a chance to win the division. I’d favor you right now because of your current record to win the division. Even though I think you’re going to be a 500 team after Sunday, that’s a good idea.”
“Let’s take a kid who’s barely played football, only played essentially a half a football this particular season, right? And put him up against a defense that’s arguably on paper the best defense in football. Oh, that couldn’t possibly go south on us. Your season ended today. My lord,” Carton added.
"What a ridiculously stupid decision!"@craigcartonlive RIPPED John Harbaugh and the Giants for making the change to J.J. McCarthy! pic.twitter.com/djeCfh41fg
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) October 21, 2026
As the team prepares to face the Texans, coach Harbaugh discussed the shift in strategy. “He’s got the game plan down,” Harbaugh said. “I think he had it down last week pretty fully, even more so this week. It has been tailored a little more toward his direction probably, but he’ll be ready to go. I thought Jameis has done a tremendous job, won us games, played well. As we go forward here, this is going to be our direction. We think it gives us some good options on offense.”
Following Wednesday’s practice at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, McCarthy shared how excited he was for the organization’s future:
“I’m honored to be here in front of you guys, honored to be a quarterback for the New York Football Giants and be able to get an opportunity this weekend against a great Houston Texans team,” McCarthy told the media.
In less than a single quarter off the bench, McCarthy threw for 243 yards. However, critics warn that benching Winston after one bad game could fracture the team, especially with McCarthy facing a tough Houston defense led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
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