The New York Giants have already had quite the up and down season through six games. New York is 3-2-1 on the season after losing Jaxon Dart for the season in addition to a platoon of defensive injuries. Fortunately, the Giants have been able to stay alive and keep their playoff hopes intact as they approach the middle of the season.
The next twist of the season will come in Week 7 after J.J. McCarthy was named the starter on Wednesday. McCarthy took over for Jameis Winston during the fourth quarter in Week 6 and moved the offense surprisingly well. Now the Giants will give him a full audition against the Texans this weekend.
Will this experiment work out well for Big Blue? Or will McCarthy crash and burn just like he did in Minnesota?
Here are three bold predictions ahead of McCarthy's first start in New York against a scary Houston defense.
Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)McCarthy will throw for fewer passing yards than he had in Week 6
McCarthy only played the final 11 and a half minutes of the fourth quarter against the Saints. But he certainly made the most of that time.
The young quarterback ended that game going 11-of-21 for 243 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception. That is a huge volume of throws to make in one quarter. In fact, that stat line would be solid enough for an entire game's output given McCarthy's track record.
At this point, it would be foolish to assume that McCarthy can replicate that performance on a consistent basis. But it is fascinating to consider how well McCarthy could spin it if he gets into a rhythm for a whole game.
Still, Giants fans should rein in their optimism until McCarthy plays a complete 60 minutes of good football.
McCarthy will fail to eclipse 243 passing yards in Week 7 against an elite Texans defense. But realistically, the quality of McCarthy's play should mean more than his raw accounting stats.
McCarthy will force feed targets to Malik Nabers
It will be interesting to see what kind of game plan the Giants cook up for McCarthy. He has similar skills to Dart, but fully installing the Dart offense could be a big ask ahead of Week 7.
Nabers and Isaiah Likely were two of McCarthy's favorite targets against the Saints. Once McCarthy entered the game, Nabers logged four catches for 95 yards on five targets. That volume could go through the roof in a larger sample size. Especially considering the woeful state of New York's rushing attack, with or without Cam Skattebo.
McCarthy will target Nabers at least 20 times against the Texans on Sunday.
Houston's defense will throttle McCarthy, forcing multiple sacks and turnovers
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Houston's defense has not consistently played elite ball this season. However, the Texans still have that incredibly high gear when their defense is firing on all cylinders.
Even in a reduced state, McCarthy should be worried about DeMeco Ryans' defense.
The Texans have 18 sacks through six games, which is tied for third in the NFL with the Broncos. They haven't been as successful at forcing turnovers, with only six on the season. That could change against the Giants if some of McCarthy's bad habits pop up while he's under pressure.
The Texans will sack McCarthy at least four times in Week 7. Beyond that, they will force the young quarterback to commit at least two turnovers. For maximum boldness, that will be at least one interception with a lost fumble on a sack.
This one could get ugly, Giants fans.