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NFL Fallout Week 6: The Giants Should Start QB J.J. McCarthy; The Bears Are Back

The New York Giants’ 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday laid bare their offensive struggles, but also spotlighted a potential solution at quarterback. Entering the fourth quarter trailing 34-10 with just over 11 minutes left, the Giants turned to rookie J.J.

McCarthy, who had been acquired from the Vikings in a September trade. McCarthy, a 23-year-old former first-round pick, rallied the Giants with three straight scoring drives, throwing for 243 yards and a touchdown while nearly sealing a game-tying pass in the final seconds.

Though he finished 11-of-21 with an interception, his performance—including a career-long 28-yard run to spark the late drive—highlighted the mobility and poise the Giants lack with veteran starter Jameis Winston, who has failed to inspire the offense despite a 3-2-1 record in a weak division. With both starting tackles sidelined and the pocket collapsing, McCarthy’s ability to extend plays and avoid turnovers under pressure aligns with the traits that convinced New York to acquire him after losing Jaxson Dart to injury.

While coach John Harbaugh avoided naming McCarthy the starter for Week 7, the film will likely confirm what Sunday’s clutch performance already suggested: the Giants’ playoff hopes now hinge on trusting the rookie with the starting job.

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