# Giants QB Debate Heats Up After McCarthy’s Record-Setting Comeback Bid

> Giants QB Jameis Winston’s Week 6 loss to Saints sparks debate over his starting role after backup J.J. McCarthy’s record-breaking fourth-quarter performance.
- Title: Giants QB Debate Heats Up After McCarthy’s Record-Setting…
- Summary: Giants QB Jameis Winston’s Week 6 loss to Saints sparks debate over his starting role after backup J.J. McCarthy’s record-breaking fourth-quarter…
- Keywords: jameis winston, j.j. mccarthy, new york giants, new orleans saints, metlife stadium, nfl, week 6, quarterback, passing yards, record-setting, sports, Giants
- Source: New York Giants On SI — https://si.com/nfl/giants/onsi/giants-winston-pulled-mccarthy-saints-qb-decision-01m58ps4513s
- Published: 2026-10-19T14:00:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jameis winston, j.j. mccarthy, new york giants, new orleans saints, metlife stadium, nfl, week 6, quarterback, passing yards, record-setting, sports
## Giants QB Jameis Winston
New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston entered Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season seemingly secure as Big Blue’s starting quarterback.
## Winston’s Stats
The 32-year-old had thrown for 805 yards, six touchdowns, to only three interceptions since being named the team’s QB1 after incumbent Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury in Week 2.
## Game Outcome
New York lost 34-27 to New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium after two costly second-half interceptions.
## Winston’s Postgame Regret
Winston said he left a lot of plays out there that he could have executed better.
## First Half Safety
Winston played a relatively safe first-half by his standards before a third-quarter interception.
## Third Quarter Turnover
Saints cornerback Martin Emerson, Jr. intercepted Winston while attempting to find Malik Nabers.
## Field Goal After Turnover
Kicker Daniel Carlson made a 51-yard field goal to put Saints ahead 27-10.
## Second Interception
Winston threw his second costly interception to Saints safety Julian Blackmon.
## Fourth Quarter Score
New Orleans scored a touchdown to take a 34-10 lead after two plays.
## Coach’s Decision
Coach John Harbaugh inserted backup J.J. McCarthy with 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
## McCarthy’s Performance
McCarthy went 11-of-21 for 243 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in 11 minutes.
## Record-Breaking Stats
McCarthy’s 243 passing yards were the most in an 11-minute span in NFL history.
## Winston’s Credit
Winston credited McCarthy for helping New York get back on track after the change.
## Winston’s Final Thoughts
Winston said he would focus on improving and getting better for the team’s next game.
## Key takeaway

Giants quarterback Jameis Winston lost his starting job after two costly interceptions in Week 6, but credited backup J.J. McCarthy for helping the team recover with a record-setting 243 passing yards in 11 minutes.