The New York Giants declined to name a starting quarterback one day after J.J. McCarthy nearly completed a miraculous comeback in relief of Jameis Winston against the New Orleans Saints. Coach John Harbaugh is choosing between McCarthy and Winston for Sunday's road game against the Houston Texans. "We're working through that now," Harbaugh said Monday. "Honing in on a decision."
McCarthy, who came to the Giants in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings late last month, threw for 243 yards after entering with just under 12 minutes remaining. It was the second-most passing yards in a fourth quarter by a quarterback who didn't start over the past 25 years. He led three scoring drives and had the Giants in the red zone before falling short in the final seconds of a 34-27 loss. Winston, unbeaten coming into Sunday in three starts this season, threw for 152 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions against the Saints.
Harbaugh is trying to determine who gives the Giants the best chance to beat a Texans team with a fierce pass rush. Houston is third in the NFL with 18 sacks. The Giants (3-2-1) have a bye week following the matchup. "Like every personnel decision we make, what gives us the best chance to win the football game at this given time?" Harbaugh said. The coach also suggested that not disclosing his starter is partly about gaining a competitive advantage.
The run game is perhaps the biggest factor. New York has struggled badly to run the ball in recent weeks, and its running backs had 14 carries for 34 yards Sunday. McCarthy's mobility could allow the Giants to use more of the offense they designed for starter Jaxson Dart before he hurt a knee in Week 2. The Giants hold their first team meeting of the week Tuesday, and a decision is expected before they take the field.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing