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The New York Giants are moving forward with Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury. On Sunday, Winston led the Giants to a 36-24 home victory over the Arizona Cardinals, delivering a performance that was quintessentially his own: three touchdown passes, two interceptions, and 250 passing yards on 18-of-29 completions. He was also sacked four times, losing 18 yards in the process.
Meanwhile, newly acquired quarterback JJ McCarthy was in uniform for the Giants, though head coach John Harbaugh had indicated that the former Michigan Wolverines star was unlikely to play just days after being traded from the Minnesota Vikings. "It just gave us an option in case we wanted to put J.J. out there and run certain plays that we had prepared for him," Harbaugh explained after the game, via the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). New York also had Jake Haener active, who would have been the first quarterback off the bench if Winston needed to be replaced.
The 23-year-old McCarthy, selected 10th overall by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft, is still acclimating to the Giants' system and his new surroundings. In Minnesota, he lost the starting quarterback competition to veteran newcomer Kyler Murray and was even surpassed on the depth chart by Carson Wentz.
Key Analysis
Harbaugh's decision to keep McCarthy active was a strategic move, providing the Giants with a specialized package of plays while ensuring depth behind Winston. The Giants now sit at 3-1 atop the NFC East and will face the Washington Commanders on the road in Week 5.
Originally reported by yahoo.