Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning sees a different version of J.J. McCarthy than the one who struggled in Minnesota.
Speaking on The Colin Cowherd Podcast, Manning pointed to McCarthy’s recent play with the Giants as evidence that a fresh start is already paying off.
McCarthy, acquired from the Vikings in late September for a 2027 fifth-round pick, has appeared in three games for New York. He first drew notice in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints, when he entered with little to lose and threw for 243 yards in a near-comeback. He followed that with a strong outing in his first start against the Houston Texans, helping the Giants secure an overtime win.
Through those appearances, McCarthy has posted a 95.2 passer rating
while throwing for 495 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Manning credited the early reps, particularly in two-minute situations against the Saints, for helping McCarthy settle into a rhythm.
“He’s playing confident. He’s playing free. You have a right to be excited.”@colincowherd & @EliManning on JJ McCarthy’s 5 quarters as a Giant pic.twitter.com/xiqIt8M3AX
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) October 29, 2026
“In that situation, hey, kind of nothing to lose. Get in there, go slinging. He’s playing confident,” Manning said.
He added that the experience was “so helpful to get him those reps” and that running familiar two-minute concepts “got him into a great rhythm.”
The two-time Super Bowl champion also highlighted McCarthy’s dual-threat ability and overall demeanor.
“Now all of a sudden he’s playing confident, he’s playing free. He can still run and create plays that way,” Manning observed.
Manning attributed much of the progress to the change of scenery and offensive system, noting that such a shift can benefit a young quarterback still finding his way in the league.
At 23 and in the third year of his rookie contract, McCarthy remains early in his development. Manning believes Giants fans have reason for optimism based on what they have already seen.
“I think you have a right to be excited,” he said. “I think Giants fans are obviously very excited watching him play.”
The early returns suggest McCarthy is adjusting quickly to his new surroundings, and Manning’s assessment reflects both the tangible improvement and the remaining upside for a former top-10 pick.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Eli Manning on what he's seen from New York Giants QB J.J. McCarthy
