The New York Giants saw a surprising quarterback change late in their Week 6 game against the New Orleans Saints, bringing in former Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy to replace Jameis Winston.
McCarthy threw an interception and took a sack, but also impressed as he completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown. The Giants had been trailing 34-10 in the fourth, and McCarthy helped lead several scoring drives to bring them within seven points.
Ultimately, New York fell 34-27, but that fourth-quarter performance may have been crucial in determining who starts against the Houston Texans.
On Monday, head coach John Harbaugh was asked if the Gaints would continue to start Winston in the coming game, but he didn't commit to their previous starter over McCarthy.
"We're working through that now .... honing in on a decision," he said, adding part of the process is figuring out "what gives [them] the best chance to win the football game at this given time."
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Harbaugh said they are determining who gives them the "best chance to move the ball, score points" in their game against Houston. The Texans are entering the game after securing a much-needed win over division rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars, in London on Sunday.
Meanwhile, New York has remained atop the NFC East, which has seen multiple teams struggle with significant quarterback issues. The Washington Commanders lost Jayden Daniels for several games due to a dislocated shoulder.
In addition to the Giants losing Jaxson Dart to a season-ending injury last month, the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to lose their starting quarterback, Jalen Hurts, for the season due to blood clots discovered in his lungs, per ESPN.
With Dart out of action, it initially put the Giants in a tough spot with Winston attempting to guide the team. He was able to help them defeat the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans, but those were two teams with a combined 3-9 record this season.
Winston has 957 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions, along with a 40.0 QBR. After his struggles in Minnesota, perhaps McCarthy could get a fresh start in New York and emerge as the player some believe he can be, or at least the best option for the Giants at the moment.
The Texans give up the sixth-most passing yards per game to opponents, allowing 246 per game. That could bode well for whichever quarterback the Giants choose when they face the Texans on Sunday, Oct. 25.
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