McCarthy’s 243-yard performance puts Giants’ quarterback plans in focus
J.J. McCarthy delivered a remarkable fourth-quarter performance against the New Orleans Saints on October 18, 2026, throwing for 243 yards after replacing Jameis Winston at quarterback. The New York Giants faced a 24-point deficit but mounted a late rally that brought them within one score of tying the game.
Despite McCarthy’s passing production and 17 unanswered points, New York fell 34–27. On October 21, head coach John Harbaugh named McCarthy the Giants’ starting quarterback for their Week 7 game against the Houston Texans.
The Giants turn to McCarthy
New York started Jameis Winston at quarterback against New Orleans at MetLife Stadium. Winston threw two interceptions, including one early in the fourth quarter, before coach John Harbaugh replaced him with McCarthy.
The Giants trailed 34–10 when the quarterback change occurred. McCarthy entered with limited time remaining and immediately faced the challenge of moving the offense against a sizable deficit.
New York faces a 24-point deficit
The Saints built a 34–10 lead after taking control of the game following New York’s early advantage. Chris Olave caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Shough early in the fourth quarter to extend New Orleans’ lead.
With the Giants trailing by 24 points, J.J. McCarthy replaced Jameis Winston at quarterback. New York needed multiple scoring drives and defensive stops to have a chance of changing the result.
McCarthy starts with an interception
McCarthy’s first appearance for the Giants did not begin smoothly, as he threw an interception on his first possession. The turnover added an early setback while New York attempted to close the gap against New Orleans.
However, McCarthy continued directing the offense after the mistake. He threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in just over 11 minutes, helping the Giants mount a late comeback before their 34–27 defeat.
The Giants begin scoring again
New York began its late scoring surge when Tyrone Tracy Jr. scored a rushing touchdown with about seven minutes remaining. McCarthy helped the Giants move the ball as they attempted to cut into the Saints’ lead.
The two-point conversion succeeded on a pass from McCarthy to tight end Isaiah Likely. The play reduced New Orleans’ advantage to 34–18 and kept the Giants within reach of a closer finish.
McCarthy connects with Isaiah Likely
McCarthy followed the Giants’ first touchdown with another scoring drive against the Saints. He connected with Isaiah Likely for a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter as New York continued its comeback attempt.
The Giants attempted a two-point conversion after the score but did not convert. The touchdown brought New York closer to the Saints, although the Giants still needed additional points to complete the comeback.
A record-tying 243 passing yards
McCarthy accumulated 243 passing yards during his fourth-quarter appearance against New Orleans. He produced that total in 11 minutes and 25 seconds after replacing Jameis Winston.
Despite throwing an interception on his first possession, McCarthy then led three scoring drives. His 243 passing yards tied the Giants’ highest single-quarter total since at least 1991, and New York cut a 24-point deficit to 7 before losing 34–27.
McCarthy matches a Giants franchise mark
McCarthy’s 243 passing yards were the second-most by a Giants quarterback in a fourth quarter. Eli Manning threw for 254 yards in the fourth quarter of a 36–25 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on October 9, 2011. McCarthy also matched Manning’s 243-yard fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012.
McCarthy produced his total in 11 minutes and 25 seconds after entering with New York trailing 34–10. Although the Giants lost 34–27, his late passing helped bring them within one score of the Saints.
Interesting fact: McCarthy was the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Malik Nabers contributes to the offense
Wide receiver Malik Nabers played an important role in the Giants’ passing attack against New Orleans. He recorded 12 receptions for 165 yards, making him one of the game’s leading receiving contributors.
Nabers’ production helped New York move the ball against the Saints. His performance also formed part of the wider evaluation of the Giants’ offense following the 34–27 defeat and McCarthy’s late appearance at quarterback.
Likely provides another receiving option
Tight end Isaiah Likely contributed to New York’s offensive production against the Saints. He recorded six receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown, including a fourth-quarter scoring catch from McCarthy.
Likely’s involvement gave the Giants another productive option in the passing game. His touchdown helped New York continue its rally, although the offense ultimately failed to complete the comeback.
The Giants score 17 unanswered points
New York scored 17 unanswered points in the final 11 minutes of its game against the Saints. The late surge included Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s rushing touchdown, McCarthy’s touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely and a field goal by Dominic Zvada.
The Giants’ defense also forced a turnover and three punts during the comeback attempt. Despite those contributions, New York remained seven points behind in the closing seconds and ultimately lost 34–27.
The comeback ends on fourth down
The Giants had one final opportunity to tie the game in the closing seconds. Facing fourth-and-one at the Saints’ 14-yard line with 12 seconds remaining, McCarthy threw a pass intended for Likely in the back of the end zone.
The pass fell incomplete, ending New York’s comeback attempt. The Saints held on for a 34–27 victory after allowing the Giants to score 17 unanswered points during the final 11 minutes.
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McCarthy’s performance raises quarterback questions
McCarthy’s fourth-quarter production led the Giants to reconsider their quarterback plan for Week 7. On October 19, head coach John Harbaugh said the team was still choosing between McCarthy and Winston for its October 25 game against the Houston Texans.
On October 21, Harbaugh announced that McCarthy would start in Houston, with Winston serving as the backup. Winston finished the Saints game with 152 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, while McCarthy completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
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What do you think about McCarthy’s performance, and should he start the Giants’ next game? Like this post and share your thoughts in the comments!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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