JJ McCarthy steps up as Giants potential starting quarterback while running back Cam Skattebo sits on bench
J.J. McCarthy’s late performance in the Giants’ 34-27 loss has put the team’s starting quarterback position in question, after coach John Harbaugh replaced Jameis Winston in the fourth quarter. McCarthy helped cut a 24-point deficit, giving the recently acquired quarterback a chance to make his case for a larger role.
McCarthy threw for 243 yards in the final 11 minutes, while Winston had thrown two interceptions and struggled earlier in the game. Harbaugh would not say who will start next time. Running back Cam Skattebo played but had no carries; Harbaugh said no runs were called while he was on the field. Skattebo has fumbled four times this season, and the Giants’ running backs managed 84 rushing yards as four players compete for carries.
- McCarthy’s late rally raises questions about the Giants’ starting quarterback.
- Winston threw two interceptions before being replaced.
- Four running backs are competing for carries after an 84-yard ground game.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
McCarthy’s late 243-yard performance, after Winston threw two interceptions and struggled, gives the Giants a reasonable basis to consider him for the starting role. A change could reward recent effectiveness and offer the team a chance to test whether his momentum can help improve results.
The case against
One strong late stretch in a losing game may not be enough to show McCarthy is the more reliable starter over a full game. Harbaugh could reasonably favour Winston’s broader body of work and continuity, while assessing McCarthy further before making a change.