Giants’ Winston: ‘I’ve got people talking about the Jameis Winston experience again’
Goforitradio Staff
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For the second straight week, the New York Giants needed their defense to make a big play late to win, and they delivered.
Deonte Banks intercepted Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett and returned it 98 yards for a touchdown, giving New York a 36-24 victory over the Cardinals (1-3) at MetLife Stadium.
The Giants are 3-0 at home for the first time in 18 years.
Since losing Jaxson Dart in Week 2, the Giants (3-1) have won two straight with Jameis Winston at quarterback and sit atop the NFC East.
Last week, Jevon Holland intercepted Cam Ward in the end zone to beat the Titans, and this week, Banks delivered the decisive interception, earning praise from Winston.
“Two weeks in a row, our defense held strong, man,” Winston said. “And to see Tae Banks (cornerback Deonte Banks), man, someone who has faced his trials, man, but still finds a way to persevere. And for that to happen to him, and for him to finish in the end zone with that ball, I was so proud of him.”
Despite the strong start, Giants head coach John Harbaugh emphasized how much football remains.
“It’s an opportunity,” he said. “I mean, the idea is to get the lead, extend the lead. That’s the idea in a game and during the season. We’re in good position four games in, but it’s only four games in.”
For Winston, it was not smooth sailing. He completed 18-of-29 passes for 250 yards, but he also had two interceptions.
Harbaugh wants the Giants, who also lost a fumble, to play turnover-free football.
“I think we just got to keep chasing clean football,” Harbaugh said. “Turnover-free football; the fumble was a problem. We run it hard. Our backs ran so hard and so well. All three of our backs, but especially those two guys running, they ran hard and well, but we got to keep the ball off the ground. So, we have to chase the kind of football that doesn’t give our opponent any opportunity to breathe.”
Earlier this week, New York acquired QB J.J. McCarthy from the Vikings, but Winston says that doesn’t motivate him; winning does.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity I have now,” he said. “And right now, I get to smile and say I’m the starting quarterback for the New York Football Giants. So, focusing on what I would love is winning games with my team, being the best that I can be. And I just feel like that, man, I’m heating up and I’m starting to get better, better, and better. Last week, I was questioning if I could even throw. This week, I’ve got people talking about the Jameis Winston experience again. So, I’m just still so curious, and I’m so inspired to be the best me every single day.”
