John Harbaugh ultimately made his firm call on naming J.J. McCarthy as the New York Giants starting quarterback over Jameis Winston for the 2026 season.

Winston struggled to create scores against New Orleans' defense on Oct. 18, completing 14 out of 26 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown and two interceptions. They trailed 27-10 throughout the first three quarters.

McCarthy entered the game in the final period, and almost immediately produced a comeback. He created 17 points as he completed 11 out of 21 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown and an interception.

Harbaugh pondered between the two quarterbacks this week before siding with McCarthy. He spoke with media on his decision, expressing that McCarthy is making huge progress with getting familiar toward the team's style of play.

“All things we talked about on Monday, probably, you know, the same. I guess it's probably the same answer, you know, it's all things considered. What gives us the best chance to be our best? Gives us the best chance to play the best offense we can, and I thought Jameis has done a tremendous job. Won us games, played well. But as we go forward here, this is going to be our direction, and we think it gives us some good options on offense,” Harbaugh said.

“He's obviously out here throwing right now. I'm kind of watching him as you guys ask the questions out here, getting some extra work. He's got a heck of a skill set, you know? He can throw it. He's picked up the offense really quickly. He's an athletic guy, obviously, and he's going to play some good football.”

What lies ahead for J.J. McCarthy, Giants

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The Giants find themselves in the playoff mix with their division foes underperforming. By having J.J. McCarthy as the starter instead of Jameis Winston, John Harbaugh hopes that can raise their overall trajectory for the rest of the season.

New York has a 3-2-1 record this season, sitting at first place in the NFC East Division standings. They are above the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys at the moment. In terms of the conference standings, they have the fourth spot. They are above the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears while trailing the Carolina Panthers and the Minnesota Vikings.

The Giants will continue preparation for their next matchup, being on the road. They take on the Houston Texans on Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. ET.