Giants Bench Jameis Winston for J.J. McCarthy, Who Nearly Rallies Them Back Against the Saints
McCarthy threw for 243 yards in the fourth quarter, the second most by a non-starter in 25 years, before a final fourth-down pass sailed long in a 34-27 loss. John Harbaugh will not say who starts at Houston.
New York Giants coach John Harbaugh pulled Jameis Winston after his second interception early in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against New Orleans, with the Giants trailing 34-10. J.J. McCarthy, acquired from Minnesota three weeks ago, led three scoring drives before his last throw, a fourth-down pass to Isaiah Likely, sailed out of the end zone with under 20 seconds left in a 34-27 loss.
How did McCarthy play?
He went 11 of 21 for 243 yards with a touchdown and an interception and led the team with 26 rushing yards. According to ESPN Research, his 243 fourth-quarter passing yards were the second most by a quarterback who did not start a game in the past 25 seasons, behind Sage Rosenfels' 249 in 2007. Harbaugh called the switch "desperation time." Winston finished 14 of 26 for 152 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions, his first loss in four starts.
Who starts next week?
Undecided. "Can't answer that now," Harbaugh said, adding that he has "no problem with Jameis whatsoever." Winston said the decision is Harbaugh's and that he wants to "put myself in a better position to execute." The 3-2-1 Giants still lead the NFC East and visit Houston in Week 7.
Why didn't Cam Skattebo carry the ball?
Harbaugh said it was "not by design," with the backs splitting first-half reps while the staff looked for a hot hand. Skattebo, benched for an overtime fumble against Washington the week before, has fumbled four times this season and played six snaps against the Saints. "I was punished," he said of the fumbles.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: McCarthy nearly rallies Giants after Winston benched; Skattebo logs no carries
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