Jameis Winston was benched for J.J. McCarthy in the fourth quarter of the Giants' loss to the Saints on Sunday, but it wasn't immediately clear whether it was a performance-based decision or an admission that the game was decided.
If John Harbaugh thought the game was over, McCarthy certainly didn't. The former Vikings quarterback threw for 243 yards in less than 12 minutes, and the Giants' offense scored 17 points before coming within 14 yards of what could've been a game-tying or even game-winning touchdown.
While the comeback effort fell short, McCarthy might have done enough to prove he should be the Giants' quarterback moving forward.
Here's what you need to know.
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Should J.J. McCarthy start for Giants?
If riding the hot hand is something Harbaugh believes in, there is only one choice to be the Giants' quarterback going forward. McCarthy went 1-of-4 for 19 yards and an interception on his first drive against the Saints but was 10-of-17 for 224 yards and a touchdown in a span of 10 minutes the rest of the way, showing not only a command of the offense but the ability to work quickly without panicking.
JJ McCarthy BALLED OUT in the 4th quarter vs the Saints: - 267 Total Yards - 1 Passing Touchdown - 6 Plays of 20+ Yards Some absolutely insane throws here. https://t.co/Gp8HvGKMwP
— Cam (@42Cyc) October 18, 2026The bar set by Winston isn't high. While his experience is helpful, he has thrown multiple interceptions in two of his last three starts. With McCarthy proving he can handle those high-paced, end-of-game situations, that should be all Harbaugh needs to see.
McCarthy raises the Giants' ceiling and likely lowers their floor. The floor shouldn't matter as much at the moment. If McCarthy is a complete disaster, Winston will be there waiting to re-enter. If McCarthy already has a solid grasp of the offense after so little time in the system, it's worth seeing what he can do when he is even more prepared.
After Sunday's loss, Harbaugh declined to name a starting quarterback for Week 7.
"I can’t answer that right now. It’s not up for conversation right now," Harbaugh said. "Those things will be decided not 10 minutes after the game."
The Giants face the Texans next, which would ordinarily be a major challenge for a young quarterback, but Houston's defense hasn't lived up to expectations this season. That doesn't mean it will be a walk in the park for McCarthy by any means, but the 23-year-old should have at least some chance to succeed.
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Giants QB depth chart
| Rank | QB |
| 1 | Jameis Winston |
| 2 | J.J. McCarthy |
| 3 | Jake Haener |
With Jaxson Dart out for the season, Winston has been the Giants' starting quarterback with McCarthy serving as the No. 2 QB since he was acquired in late September.
Former Saints QB Jake Haener was waived after McCarthy was brought in, but he later re-signed and spent Sunday as the Giants' emergency No. 3 quarterback.
Harbaugh didn't commit to Winston after Sunday's game, so McCarthy remains an option heading into Week 7.
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