Coach John Harbaugh's New York Giants are 4-2-1 on the season after a huge road win over CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans that was a showcase for Cam Skattebo, who called out an officiating double-standard. Fellow Giants QB Jameis Winston also got on the board in the Giants' 27-21 overtime win that led to a stirring speech from McCarthy afterward.

McCarthy got a game ball from Harbaugh and proceeded to speak to his teammates in the locker room. He said he would be brief, but extended the speech for quite some time as he poured his heart out following the huge win. Fans on social media gave McCarthy his flowers for a great speech as fans began to digest what they had just witnessed, with the former Vikings first round pick taking over as New York's newest potential star.

J.J. McCarthy’s locker-room speech after beating the #Texans in his first start with the #Giants:

This team is fully behind him.

(📽️ @Giants) pic.twitter.com/4I88M5VjSS

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 25, 2026

McCarthy had 252 yards passing on 20-of-28 completions with no touchdowns or interceptions. Skattebo, Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. all added rushing touchdowns along with Winston in the Giants' huge victory on the road. McCarthy is now undefeated against Stroud (3-0) dating back to their college days with the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes.

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Stroud had a light day by his standards, with 153 yards passing and two touchdowns. The Texans' run game was solid but unspectacular in a clean, turnover-free game.

McCarthy and the Giants suddenly look like a team to watch, and Skattebo, truck-stick runs and all, is a big reason why. The Giants will savor this win, and McCarthy's speech, for a while as they prepare for a bye week followed by a road game against the Eagles on November 8.