Given the undefeated start to the season for the Minnesota Vikings, it's hard to say they made the wrong move by benching and eventually trading J.J. McCarthy. But after watching what McCarthy did for the Giants on Sunday, it's also hard to say they shouldn't make him their starter immediately.
The Giants were trailing the Saints 34-10 on Sunday in the fourth quarter when McCarthy entered the game. Given that as a point of reference, you'd be forgiven for assuming the game was over. But in fact, it was far from it. McCarthy threw an interception on his first drive, but then proceeded to lead the Giants to put 17 points on the scoreboard over the next three drives.
The Giants would end up losing 34-27, but McCarthy managed to go 11-of-21 passing
for 243 yards and a touchdown in just 11 minutes of action – the most passing yards ever recorded in an 11-minute span in NFL history, and just seven yards short of his career-high mark with the Vikings.
🚨HISTORY: JJ McCarthy came into the game with 11 minutes left and the Giants down 34-10. He cut the lead to 34-27 and nearly tied the game.
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) October 18, 2026
He threw for 243 yards. The MOST in an 11 minute span in NFL HISTORY. WOW pic.twitter.com/EJ9tv5ZuIV
Will J.J. McCarthy start for the Giants in Week 7?
Before being benched, Jameis Winston was 14-for-26 for 152 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He was also sacked four times. So far this season, he has 957 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions, and has posted a 71.9 passer rating. He did win his first two games as a starter after Jaxson Dart was lost to a season-ending injury, but he also has led the team to a tie and a loss in his last two outings.
With a match-up against the surging Texans looming, who have momentum on their side after two consecutive wins, John Harbaugh might not want to disrupt the remaining stability of an already unstable situation by making a move. At the same time, McCarthy looked like he might give the Giants their best shot at winning on Sunday.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: J.J. McCarthy proves he deserves another chance to start with Giants
