# Giants QB Controversy: McCarthy vs Winston

> Giants' J.J. McCarthy may replace Jameis Winston after Sunday's loss to Saints.
- Title: Giants QB Controversy: McCarthy vs Winston · CBS Sports
- Summary: Giants' J.J. McCarthy may replace Jameis Winston after Sunday's loss to Saints. Giants' J.J. McCarthy earned starting job over Jameis Winston after Sunday's…
- Keywords: giants, jameis winston, j.j. mccarthy, nfl, seahawks, new york giants, texans, nfl quarterbacks, qb controversy, starting quarterback, sports, Controversy
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/j-j-mccarthy-vs-jameis-winston-giants-starting-qb-texans
- Published: 2026-10-19T11:31:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: giants, jameis winston, j.j. mccarthy, nfl, seahawks, new york giants, texans, nfl quarterbacks, qb controversy, starting quarterback, sports
## Giants QB Question
The New York Giants have a quarterback question to address.
## Winston's Record
Jameis Winston is 2-1-1 in his four starts under center in place of the injured Jaxson Dart.
## McCarthy Trade
The Giants traded for J.J. McCarthy last month, who received his first extensive action as a Giant during Sunday's 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
## Game Decision
After Winston threw his second interception of the game and set up the Saints with an opportunity to extend their lead to 24 points, John Harbaugh made the decision to replace him with McCarthy.
## McCarthy Performance
McCarthy completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and may have stolen the starting job from Winston.
## Pro: Spark
McCarthy brought a legitimate spark to the Giants after a 34-10 game.
## Con: Handling Offense
McCarthy has a handle on the offense? He's a 23-year-old kid who just got to the Giants three weeks ago.
## Con: Opponent
The Texans may be 2-4, but they are finding their rhythm with a strong defense.
## Week 9 Ideal
Week 9 against a Jalen Hurts-less Philadelphia Eagles team could be the ideal time to promote McCarthy.
## Key takeaway

Giants' J.J. McCarthy earned starting job over Jameis Winston after Sunday's Saints game.