Sports · American Football · 1 hr ago
J.J. McCarthy sparks Giants rally after replacing Jameis Winston
The New York Giants lost 34-27 to the New Orleans Saints after trailing 34-10 in the fourth quarter.
Giants coach John Harbaugh replaced starting quarterback Jameis Winston with J.J. McCarthy after Winston threw two interceptions.
McCarthy threw for 243 yards and a touchdown and added 26 rushing yards, helping New York score on three straight drives.
The rally fell short, with the Giants reaching the Saints’ 14-yard line on their final possession.
McCarthy had joined New York in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings and had played only five snaps for the Giants before this game.
The quarterback change matters because New York is seeking stability at quarterback after Jaxson Dart was lost for the season with a knee injury.
Harbaugh said he has not decided who will start in Week 7.
The New York Giants lost 34-27 to the New Orleans Saints after J.J. McCarthy replaced Jameis Winston in the fourth quarter.
The Giants were trailing 34-10 when McCarthy entered the game.
McCarthy threw for 243 yards and a touchdown, ran for 26 yards and led three consecutive scoring drives, but the rally fell short.
Winston completed 14 of 26 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown before being benched.
Coach John Harbaugh said no decision had been made about the Giants’ starting quarterback for Week 7.
- Who
- J.J. McCarthy replaced Jameis Winston at quarterback for the New York Giants.
- What
- McCarthy led a late rally, but the Giants lost 34-27 to the New Orleans Saints.
- When
- October 18, 2026, in the teams’ Week 6 game.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Winston struggled, and his second interception extended the Saints’ lead to 34-10, prompting the Giants to put McCarthy in.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Harbaugh promoted McCarthy to backup quarterback, while Winston remained the starter.
Trailing 34-10, the Giants replaced Winston with McCarthy.
McCarthy led three consecutive scoring drives and brought the Giants within one score.
The Giants lost 34-27 to the Saints.
Harbaugh said no decision had been made about the quarterback for Week 7.
- Final score
- Saints 34, Giants 27
- Giants’ record
- 3-2-1
- McCarthy passing
- 243 yards and one touchdown
- McCarthy rushing
- 26 yards
- Winston passing
- 14 of 26 for 152 yards and one touchdown
10 sources
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What people are saying
The benefits of it? It’s a change of pace
Whether or not he’s out there or not will be determined based on whatever happens.
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John Harbaugh says Giants QB J.J. McCarthy did a “heck of a job” in end of game. Notes situation was “different” than managing a whole game. Also has “no problem with Jameis.” Harbaugh declined to name starter for next game, emphatic he won’t decide 10 minutes after a game.
John Harbaugh says now is not the time to make a QB decision. He still believes in Jameis Winston. The quarterbacks will be judged on performance.
John Harbaugh also hinted the Giants have more in store for the J.J. McCarthy package. We haven't seen it all yet.