Heading into Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints, optimism surrounded the New York Giants.
They led the NFC East, and many were enjoying “The Jameis Winston Experience.”
However, at least on Sunday, that all came crashing down at MetLife Stadium.
After New York took a 10–0 second-quarter lead, the Saints (2–4) scored 34 unanswered points before holding off a late rally to defeat the Giants (3–2–1), 34–27.
Following Winston’s second interception of the day, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough connected with Chris Olave for an 18-yard touchdown, and New York trailed 34-10.
J.J. McCarthy replaced Winston and nearly brought the Giants back from a 24-point deficit.
In the fourth quarter, McCarthy completed 11-of-21 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown.
He had a big 28-yard scramble on New York’s final drive. However, the Saints’ defense stiffened and stopped the Giants at the Saints’ 14-yard line.
After the game, Giants coach John Harbaugh discussed what he saw from McCarthy.
“I thought he came in there and did a heck of a job given the circumstances, you know, and kind of desperation time,” Harbaugh said. “It’s different than normal football, but made some plays and got us back, gives us a chance to win the game, and we’re throwing the ball in the end zone at the end, so that was good. You’ve got to compliment him on that.”
McCarthy, acquired from the Vikings in September, says he’s been impressed by what he’s seen so far from the Giants.
“Yeah, I’m extremely impressed,” McCarthy said. “This team, since I got in the door, you could tell there was something special about them. The way Coach Harbaugh just instills this kind of confidence, belief, but it’s through the work and the preparation, and it’s not just talk. Just being able to be a part of this group is extremely special. They were going to keep having to build that resilience along the way.”
Harbaugh did not say who will start next week for the Giants against the Texans.
Winston, who completed 14-of-26 passes for 152 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions, says he needs to execute better.
“That’s him,” Winston said. “You know, that’s the decision that he’ll have to make. What I would love is to just put myself in a better position to execute. And that just starts with me. Things that I can control: going out there every single play, doing my very best.”
Harbaugh has a decision to make at quarterback. Because of his experience, we still think Winston gives the Giants the best chance to win, but McCarthy’s performance Sunday makes him worth considering.
Notes:
Giants second-year running back Cam Skattebo, who has fumbled four times this season, didn’t get a carry on Sunday. Harbaugh made it clear Skattebo wasn’t benched, but the fumbles are an issue.
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