NFL2 hours ago2 minute read

Giants Stick With Jameis Winston Despite Trading For J.J. McCarthy

The New York Giants traded for J.J. McCarthy, but Jameis Winston remains the starting quarterback for now as he seeks to improve his play.

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Winston holds onto the starting job

The New York Giants have a new quarterback in town, but Jameis Winston is not losing his starting job just yet. The team recently acquired J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a fifth round pick. For now, McCarthy is starting at the bottom of the depth chart as the third string quarterback behind Winston and Jake Haener.

McCarthy will likely rise up the ranks once he gets comfortable with the playbook. Coach John Harbaugh noted that learning the offense will be a challenge for the young quarterback. This gives Winston a clear window to prove he belongs in the starting role.

Pressure is on for Winston to improve

Winston knows he has to play better. He currently has a 22.9 QBR, which is the lowest among 30 qualifying quarterbacks in the league. He also has a 29.2 percent off target rate on his 49 pass attempts this season.

Despite the struggles, the 12 year veteran remains confident. "I have to play well regardless. That's it," Winston said on Wednesday. He added that his job is simply to give his team a chance to win. The Giants locker room still believes in him, remembering how well he played in a spot start against the Detroit Lions last season. The front office also showed faith in him by signing him to a two year extension that guarantees more than 6 million dollars next season.

A two week tryout for the veteran

The next two weeks will be critical for Winston. He will lead the 2-1 Giants against the Arizona Cardinals at home this Sunday, followed by a road game against the Washington Commanders.

Harbaugh is keeping his focus entirely on the immediate future, even wearing a shirt to practice that read "1-0" to emphasize his point. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy blamed some of Winston's recent poor throws on the rainy weather during their win against the Titans. He noted that Winston knows he needs to keep a wider base to make better throws.

What it means for the next game

Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants (NFL, Sun, 04 Oct): New York Giants win 42%, Arizona Cardinals win 58%; projected score New York Giants 22, Arizona Cardinals 23. Our safest pick: Giants +9.5.

New York Giants at Washington Commanders (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): Washington Commanders win 53%, New York Giants win 47%; projected score Washington Commanders 23, New York Giants 22. Our safest pick: Over 36.5 points.