Giants still weighing quarterback choice after McCarthy replaces Winston

New York Giants coach John Harbaugh said Monday, October 19, that the team was still deciding who would start at quarterback for its road game against the Houston Texans. The decision follows J.J. McCarthy’s relief appearance after Jameis Winston was benched during Sunday’s 34-27 home loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Asked whether Winston would start against Houston, Harbaugh said, “We’re working through that now, homing in on a decision,” according to CBS Sports. His answer leaves both Winston and McCarthy in contention after a game in which the Giants changed quarterbacks while trying to recover from a deficit.

McCarthy’s rally against the Saints

The change came after Winston threw two interceptions and took four sacks against New Orleans, according to SNY. Across five games this season, SNY put his passing totals at 90 completions from 158 attempts, 957 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions, with 15 sacks taken. CBS Sports reported that the Giants were 2-1-1 in Winston’s starts before the Saints game.

How Harbaugh will choose a starter

Harbaugh described the choice as a question of which players and schemes give the Giants their best chance to move the ball, score and protect possession. He did not name a starter in his Monday comments, so the effect of McCarthy’s comeback on the next lineup remains undecided.

The Giants turned to Winston after starter Jaxson Dart sustained a season-ending knee injury, CBS Sports reported. The club remains atop the NFC East, according to both reports, giving the quarterback choice immediate weight in its next game. Houston, its upcoming opponent, has won two straight after an 0-4 start, CBS Sports reported.

Harbaugh had already left the starter unnamed after the Saints loss, when McCarthy’s comeback fell short. His Monday update confirms that the Giants were still working through the choice ahead of the Houston trip.