Jameis Winston has plenty reason to feel miffed about getting replaced as the New York Giants' starting quarterback. Instead, he's become J.J. McCarthy's biggest cheerleader.
Winston praised McCarthy for his performance against the Houston Texans in Week 7 on the latest episode of his "Where's Jameis?" podcast. The Giants' backup explained how McCarthy's win in his starting debut with his new team invigorated the locker room and creates momentum going forward.
"Anytime you have a quarterback change and the quarterback gets their first win, immediately you see a shift the team's momentum to support and lifting up of that quarterback," Winston said. "J.J. did an outstanding job to get his first win as the starting quarterback for the New York Football
Giants.
"And that momentum, it can help propel you into the next game. Yes, we've got a bye week, and we're coming back with a division opponent next. But when you go on the road, and you get a gritty win like that, it just puts a spirit of joy and a spirit of motivation in your heart for the next opponent."
McCarthy finished the game 20-of-28 passing (71.4% completion rate) with 252 passing yards. He took three sacks but didn't turn the ball over, and he rushed once for 1 yard in his first start of 2026.
Winston also played a role in New York's road victory. The Giants deployed the veteran backup as their designated quarterback-sneak guy. He recorded four rushes for four yards and a touchdown in Week 7.
The Giants, who were double-digit underdogs entering the game, defeated the Texans on the road for their fourth win of the season. They enter their Week 8 bye in first place in the NFC East and, thanks to their Week 5 tie with the Washington Commanders, and hold a 1.5-game lead over the 3-4 Dallas Cowboys.
New York's next game – and McCarthy's next start – will be in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles for the first of two meetings between the divisional rivals.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Replaced Giants starter praises J.J. McCarthy after first New York win
