On a rainy Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium, Giants starting quarterback Jameis Winston did just enough as the Giants (2-1) defeated the Tennessee Titans (0-3) 12-7.
New York sealed the victory after safety Jevon Holland picked off Cam Ward’s pass in the end zone.
Winston is starting in place of Jaxson Dart, who is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Earlier in the week, Winston told Holland that he would make a big play with the game on the line.
“I told him he was going to do that Friday,” Winston said. “Friday, I told him, I said, when the play is on the line, you’re going to make the biggest play.”
Winston couldn’t get the Giants into the end zone, but he led them to four field-goal drives, which was enough to get the job done.
The 32-year-old completed 14-of-22 passes for 118 yards. Most importantly, he did not turn the ball over.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh said Winston did what was required.
“I thought Jameis did what was required in this game,” Harbaugh said. “The first thing you have to do is what’s necessary. What’s required. After that, then you can do what’s possible. Then maybe the impossible becomes possible. That’s from St. Francis of Assisi, in case you were wondering. I thought he did what was required. He did what was necessary.”
Winston was asked to assess his performance, and for him, it comes down to just winning.
“Really, every quarterback is really judged off if they won or lost the game,” he said. “So, I’m grateful that I get to be judged off of won not a loss. And I’ve had games where I’ve thrown for 500 yards, right, and the game didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to be. And anytime, any day, I would rather win.”
According to ESPN, the Giants could consider adding another quarterback if Winston struggles. However, Winston said he isn’t concerned about outside speculation.
“Well, I believe a part of me already knows the greatest he is in me than he is in the world,” Winston said. “So, worldly opinion does not really impact me. I know what I put into this game, and I take that. I’m just grateful. If y’all ask me, how does it feel to win your first game as a New York Football Giants starting quarterback? That’s the stuff. I choose to focus on the seed of good in everything. The Maras and Tisches, they give me amazing opportunities to represent this organization and to be able to put up a W, right? You’re talking about me eating W, but to be able to put a W in the win column is something that I am proud about. So, no matter what they say or what they do, I know it’s what’s in me, not what’s on me. Today, we celebrate a W.”
Winston will have to play better for the Giants to remain competitive. However, Harbaugh made it clear that Winston will remain the starter regardless of whom the team adds at quarterback. Four field goals and no touchdowns will not be enough against most opponents, but it was enough to beat Tennessee. For one afternoon, Winston and the Giants were able to “eat the W.”
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