New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh addressed the stakes of Thursday night’s game against the Washington Commanders, quarterback J.J. McCarthy's readiness for his first home start, and the team’s approach to a short week after Tuesday's practice.
The matchup carries clear divisional weight after the teams tied earlier this season. Harbaugh noted the standings and the opportunity ahead of the Giants.
“This is for all the marbles. It’s a tie right now. This is the tiebreaker,” Harbaugh said. “It’s like going to the second half tied; you have a chance to go win the game right now and be one up on these guys for the rest of the season. So, it’s a big game.”
He also pointed to the White Out atmosphere the team expects at MetLife Stadium.
“I know
they’re going to be loud and excited and it’s going to be fun,” Harbaugh said.
Meanwhile, McCarthy looked fine while moving around in practice after suffering a hip injury in Week 9. Harbaugh said he had not yet specifically discussed the home crowd with the quarterback and planned to rely on teammates for that conversation.
“Maybe someone else is better to talk to him about that. Jameis or Jaxson, probably one of those guys, would be best to talk to him about that,” Harbaugh said. “He’s played in a lot of big stadiums before, and he’ll love our fans. I can tell him that.”
On the short week, Harbaugh said the coaching staff used the bye to prepare for two games. Most of the game plan was installed the day before, with a walk-through and practice completed, leaving more than 48 hours until kickoff.
“It’s all hands-on deck. On a short week like this, it’s all hands-on deck. Everybody, all the time, every second, get ready for this game because it comes fast, but that’s how you get prepared,” Harbaugh said.
He referenced his short-week results in Baltimore and said the players have stayed locked in, though the result will still depend on Thursday night's execution.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' John Harbaugh: Commanders game is 'for all the marbles'
