The New York Giants have officially announced that J.J. McCarthy will be their starting quarterback for Week 7. After nearly five weeks of the “Jameis Winston experience”, the 2024 first-round pick is getting the nod.
With Jaxson Dart done for the season, McCarthy is New York’s next best option. What does his immediate future hold, and how will his presence affect the Week 7 matchup with the Houston Texans?
McCarthy was taken 10th overall by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft. He missed his entire rookie season with a torn meniscus before returning in 2025. In his second season, he started 10 games, completing 140 of his 243 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
After his meniscus tear, McCarthy suffered a high ankle sprain, a concussion, and a right-hand injury through 2025. After losing the starting job in Minnesota to Kyler Murray, he was traded to the Giants on September 28th, 2026.
The Giants were seemingly planning on starting McCarthy at some point in 2026. Winston was playing at a level that led to wins, going 2-0-1 ahead of the Week 6 matchup. In a loss to the New Orleans Saints, he went 14/26 for 152 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
McCarthy made his debut with less than 11 minutes left in the game. In that showing, he went 11/21 for 243 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Down 34-10, he led the offense to 17 unanswered points and nearly completed a comeback. That was enough for head coach John Harbaugh to make the switch.
Sometimes it’s worth giving the young players a shot. With only 10 NFL starts in over two years, McCarthy has little to no real NFL experience or development.
Quarterbacks like Bryce Young, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield are evidence that development matters. They were considered busts early in their careers; now they’re legitimate starters in the NFL. Darnold even went on to win Super Bowl LX.
McCarthy faced criticism coming out of college for not being a heavy passer. He does, however, offer mobility and youth. New York built its system around Dart, a mobile quarterback with zip on his throws. McCarthy, while not quite at Dart’s level, offers a similar play style.
McCarthy’s ability was evident in New York’s loss to the Saints. He was the team’s leading rusher with 26 yards. He was sacked for an eight-yard loss but escaped pressure for a 28-yard gain.
Winston was sacked four times in that game, and 15 times over his last five appearances. If McCarthy’s mobility can reduce those numbers, the offense will quickly improve.
McCarthy will make his first official start for New York in Week 7 against the Texans. With a 3-2-1 record and a bye coming up in Week 8, a win before the break would keep Big Blue well ahead of the rest of the NFC East.
The Giants released running back Najee Harris following their loss to the Saints. The veteran rushed four times for two yards, effectively ending his tenure with the team.
Cam Skattebo was sidelined for the entirety of New York’s Week 6 matchup. Whether it was disciplinary for his costly fumble the week prior or not, he didn’t log a single carry in the loss. With Harris being released, Skattebo should find himself back in the rotation.
The Texans announced the return of wide receiver Tank Dell after nearly two years. He tore his ACL, MCL, LCL, and dislocated his kneecap in December 2024. With Marvin Harrison Jr. entering his second week in Houston, and Dell ramping up, the team’s passing attack will start heating up.
McCarthy making his debut against the Texans is perfect timing. Houston’s pass rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. are a QB’s nightmare. Having someone under center who can escape pressure will be essential to a win.
The Texans have been picking up steam over the last two weeks. After a 0-4 start, they’re now 2-4 ahead of a game where they’re 10.5-point favorites on FanDuel Sportsbook.
McCarthy quickly established a connection with Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely in Week 6. The duo accounted for 139 of the QB’s 243 yards. With Skattebo back to establish the run game, and a dangerous pass-catching duo, New York will have a real shot against one of the NFL’s top defenses.
McCarthy is set to make his first start for New York, and barring a disastrous showing, it won’t be his last. If he can play competitive football and avoid turning the ball over, he’ll stay under center for the remainder of the season. That starts in Houston.
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