Story perspectives

Giants Start J.J. McCarthy After Bench Jameis Winston

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 10:16 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Giants bench Jameis Winston and start J.J. McCarthy in Week 7.
Coach John Harbaugh said the switch offers the best offensive chance.
McCarthy threw 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception in 11 minutes versus the Saints.
He led three fourth-quarter scoring drives and rushed for a team-high 26 yards.
Giants sit at 3-2-1, leading the NFC East heading into the matchup.

History

Historical Context

In 1999, the San Francisco 49ers entered their 50th NFL season, but veteran Steve Young suffered a concussion in Week 3, prompting Steve Mariucci to start rookie Jeff Garcia. Garcia threw for 2,144 yards and 13 touchdowns, helping the team finish 8-8 and reach the playoffs, echoing the Giants’ 2024 move to replace Jameis Winston with rookie J.J. McCarthy, who posted 243 yards and a touchdown against New Orleans.

1 of 2

Story summary

Giants bench Jameis Winston and start J.J. McCarthy in Week 7.
Coach John Harbaugh said the switch offers the best offensive chance.
McCarthy threw 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception in 11 minutes versus the Saints.
He led three fourth-quarter scoring drives and rushed for a team-high 26 yards.
Giants sit at 3-2-1, leading the NFC East heading into the matchup.

1 / 2