Matt Nagy spoke on McCarthy and said, “He’s doing really well. That’s as best as I can put it. You look back seven days ago when we were up here having the same conversation, he’s much further along, which is, again, a credit to our position coaches… Proud of him, but this is just the beginning. But I’d say A+ right now.”

McCarthy comes from a very complex playbook in Minnesota under Kevin O’Connell. Nagy utilizes a traditional West Coast system derived from Andy Reid. It’s not easy, but O’Connell belongs to the expansive Sean McVay coaching tree. Both are complex, but McCarthy has experience in learning deep playbooks.

McCarthy reputation is split

JJ McCarthy is widely regarded as a smart, well-prepared quarterback with strong mental processing. However, scouts and analysts have split opinions on how well his football intelligence translates to high-level NFL execution. On the field, his decision-making might be baffling.

While McCarthy thrived under Jim Harbaugh in Michigan, the NFL level has made McCarthy a mistake-prone quarterback. However, it’s not because of playbook knowledge, it’s a progression kind of problem.

McCarthy needs a redemption

As of now, McCarthy is backing up Jameis Winston, who delivered a strong message to the Giants. Hence, McCarthy is waiting for his chance, but if it arrives, it’s a time for redemption.

After being a top 10 pick, he lost his job as the Vikings QB1, dealt with plenty of injuries, and the Vikings gave up on him, hence the trade. Now, he needs to prove he belongs in the NFL.

Key takeaways

• Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy gave JJ McCarthy an “A+ right now” for learning the playbook.
• JJ McCarthy operated under a complex offense in Minnesota under Kevin O’Connell.
• The former top-10 pick lost his Vikings QB1 job prior to the Giants trade.

The Giants acquired McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings after losing Jaxson Dart to a season-ending injury, and the young quarterback has impressed the coaching staff during his first days in New York. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy recently gave McCarthy an A+ for his progress, suggesting that he could be much further along than expected after only nine days with the team.

That situation makes Winston’s latest comments particularly interesting. Rather than focusing on his current success or treating his starting position as secure, the veteran quarterback emphasized that he still wants to improve significantly and become better for the Giants every day.

Jameis Winston sends clear message amid J.J. McCarthy rumors

Jameis Winston was asked about his mindset and his desire to continue developing after the Giants’ recent victory. His response made it clear that he is not satisfied with simply helping New York win games and wants to raise his level of play.

“My desire is still to get better and better. It felt good to get a win, but I desire to be so much better for this team and to play faster, to play more precise, to really be my very best, and I just want to keep getting one percent better every day.”

That mentality is especially notable with McCarthy now pushing to become the Giants’ QB2. New York does not want to throw away its season despite losing Dart, and if McCarthy continues progressing quickly, the coaching staff could eventually have to consider whether the former first-round pick is ready for a larger role.

Winston also spoke about the importance of using the moments when he is alone to improve his game and remain mentally focused. Rather than allowing those moments to become distractions, he believes they can be used to reflect on practices, game plans and his own performance.

“I think, man, when you have time to focus on the one percent, of honing in on your craft, being present, reflecting on practice, reflecting on the plan, I think it’s very important to just be intentional with your thoughts and your words when you’re speaking to yourself, because we sometimes forget that we talk to ourselves more than anyone else talks to us.”

The veteran quarterback then added a personal element to his answer, emphasizing his faith and the importance of how he uses those moments away from the team.

“So, making sure that we master those moments alone because we’re never lonely. God is with us, so no one can be against us. But when we are experiencing those alone moments, making sure that we’re impeccable with our word and our thoughts.”

For now, Winston remains firmly in control of the Giants’ offense, but McCarthy’s development is making the quarterback situation more intriguing. If the young quarterback continues to absorb the system at the pace Nagy described, Winston’s determination to improve could become even more important as New York looks to remain competitive following Dart’s injury.

Key takeaways

• Jameis Winston remains the starting quarterback after leading the Giants to a 3-1 start.
• Jaxson Dart’s season-ending injury prompted the New York Giants to acquire J.J. McCarthy.
• Jameis Winston expressed a desire to improve by one percent every single day.

Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy offered an extremely positive assessment of McCarthy’s development, emphasizing how quickly the young quarterback has absorbed the Giants’ offensive system. While Winston remains the starter, McCarthy’s progress could give New York another option if the veteran quarterback struggles to consistently produce.

The timing is particularly interesting because the Giants are preparing for Week 5 against the Washington Commanders. Winston has helped lead New York to a 3-1 record, but the team’s decision to acquire McCarthy already created questions about the veteran’s long-term security at the position.

Matt Nagy gives J.J. McCarthy an A+ with Giants

Matt Nagy was asked how J.J. McCarthy has handled the enormous amount of information thrown at him since arriving in New York. The Giants offensive coordinator did not hesitate when describing the former Vikings quarterback’s progress, giving him one of the strongest possible evaluations. “I would say it’s an A+. He’s doing really well. That’s as best as I can put it. He’s much further along.”

Nagy also credited McCarthy for putting everything he has into the process of learning the Giants’ offense as quickly as possible. The quarterback has had to absorb a completely new system in a matter of days, something that normally takes months during the offseason.

The offensive coordinator also emphasized that McCarthy’s progress is not happening in isolation, praising the coaching staff for helping the young quarterback through the transition. At the same time, Nagy made sure to temper expectations and stressed that there is still a long road ahead. “I’m proud of him, but this is just the beginning. I would say A+ right now.”

Giants QB battle between Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy

That final qualification could be particularly important for Jameis Winston. J.J. McCarthy is not currently being positioned as an immediate replacement for the veteran, but if his development continues at this pace, the Giants could soon have a legitimate alternative behind their starting quarterback.

New York’s coaching staff has repeatedly said Winston remains QB1, but McCarthy’s rapid progress could make the competition more relevant if the veteran’s performance declines.

For now, the Giants appear to be giving Winston every opportunity to remain in control while accelerating McCarthy’s development. The former Vikings quarterback’s arrival was initially viewed as a long-term investment, but his impressive first days in New York could force the organization to consider his readiness much sooner than expected.

Key takeaways

• J.J. McCarthy has accelerated his progress toward becoming the Giants’ No. 2 quarterback.
• Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy gave J.J. McCarthy an A+ for learning the offensive system.
• Jameis Winston remains the starting quarterback while helping lead New York to a 3-1 record.

NFL insider Mike Garafolo was the first to report the move, making clear that Haener’s promotion is about the Giants’ current quarterback structure rather than replacing McCarthy. The former Vikings quarterback remains on the active roster as New York continues to develop him following his recent arrival.

“The Giants are signing QB Jake Haener to their 53-man roster off their practice squad, sources say. He joins J.J. McCarthy on the active roster behind Jameis Winston.”

What happens with J.J. McCarthy?

The Giants’ decision to promote Jake Haener could initially create questions about J.J. McCarthy’s place on the depth chart, but Dan Duggan of The Athletic explained that the move actually allows New York to keep all three quarterbacks available on the active roster. McCarthy is still expected to have an important role as he becomes more comfortable in the offense.

“This will enable them to activate all three QBs again, although more likely that McCarthy takes over as QB2 soon and Haener becomes the emergency third QB.”

That explanation is particularly important because McCarthy’s development remains one of the biggest storylines surrounding the quarterback room. The former first-round pick is still learning a new system, but the Giants have already indicated that they view him as a crucial alternative. McCarthy won’t challenge Winston for the starting job, but, in case of an injury, Harbaugh and Joe Schoen went for him as an upgrade.

For now, the Giants appear to have a clear structure with Winston as QB1, McCarthy moving toward the QB2 role and Haener potentially serving as the emergency third quarterback. The latest roster move therefore does not signal trouble for McCarthy; instead, it gives New York greater flexibility while allowing the young quarterback to continue developing behind Winston.

Key takeaways

• New York Giants promoted quarterback Jake Haener from the practice squad to active roster.
• Insider Mike Garafolo reported Haener joins J.J. McCarthy behind starting quarterback Jameis Winston.
• Dan Duggan noted McCarthy is expected to soon become the QB2 option.

Jameis Winston had a typical statline for him in Week 4’s win against the Cardinals. Winston had 250 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Giants were able to win but the turnovers were there.

However, the team still has his back. Offensive linemen Francis Mauigoa told Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media, “He’s a leader at heart, and he takes care of business, just like how you saw [Sunday].” Cam Skattebo also spoke on Winston, “Resilient, man. Obviously, he threw a couple picks, but he led us. He operated fast, well, smart… At the end of the day, he did what we needed him to do. He got out of things that most quarterbacks wouldn’t get out of. And he won the game.“

NY Giants want to keep playing for Winston

JJ McCarthy is barely getting to learn the playbook, so it is easy to see why the Giants want to stick with Winston. After all, he is beloved, and he knows the organization inside and out. Najee Harris told Slater that, “Jameis is just a resilient player. And he showed it. He’s our leader. Jameis is our quarterback. We’re going to stick with Jameis no matter what.”

Jameis Winston is a unique case in the NFL. Usually, a corny personality and a turnover-prone style of play will not bode well for the rest of the locker room. Yet, for Jameis Winston, that is his identity and teammates are ready and eager to rally behind him.

JJ McCarthy doesn’t have that leadership yet

During his Vikings days, some veterans praised McCarthy’s high energy, mentioning team-building efforts and strong personal relationships built during difficult stretches and growth periods.

However, some analysts and former players have questioned his interview presence and questioned whether his outward style translates smoothly to total command of an NFL locker room.

Key takeaways

• Quarterback Jameis Winston recorded 250 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions against Arizona.
• Lineman Francis Mauigoa praised Winston, calling him a leader at heart following the victory.
• Teammate Najee Harris voiced full support, stating the roster will stick with their quarterback.

“J.J. McCarthy could get up to speed and be the backup next Sunday vs. Washington. ‘I think that’s a possibility,’ John Harbaugh said. Believes it’s realistic and ‘on the table’,” as reported by ESPN’s Jordan Raanan on X.

After trading for McCarthy, many thought the Giants would truly put the QB1 job up for grabs. That hasn’t been the case. Winston is still the starting quarterback. Now, though, McCarthy is taking over the QB2 role, and that means he is only a bad interception or unfortunate setback away from becoming QB1 in the Big Apple.

Needless to say, the margin for error has become infinitely smaller for Winston after Harbaugh’s latest statement on the quarterback room in East Rutherford. With McCarthy now truly a viable option to play, it remains to be seen what will happen to Jake Haener, who might be headed for the practice squad once again in the 2026 NFL season.

• Jameis Winston
• JJ McCarthy
• Jake Haener

NY Giants had three active QBs in Week 4

Eyebrows were raised as the Giants kept three active quarterbacks on the gameday roster to face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3 of the NFL. After the game, Harbaugh revealed why McCarthy was active against the Cardinals, as the G-Men had some plays prepared for the former 10th overall pick to run. In the end, they never called those plays, but the option was still there.

However, McCarthy was the third QB on the depth chart on Sunday. He wasn’t a typical third-string signal-caller, though, as he wasn’t ruled inactive and was dubbed the emergency QB, but he was still behind Haener on the depth chart.

Winston’s QB1 job is at stake

Had something occurred to Winston, Haener would’ve filled in as the backup, not McCarthy, who had been in East Rutherford for less than a full week before kickoff.

This fact was likely lost on the fans at MetLife Stadium, who at times demanded a QB change that would have to wait as Winston responded amid the “JJ” (McCarthy) chants. Based on reports, Winston’s level would dictate whether he remains the Giants’ QB1. However, with Haener behind him, that was essentially a figure of speech. With McCarthy finally becoming the true backup, the evaluation period has truly begun for Winston.

Next week, when the Giants take on the Washington Commanders on the road, traveling fans may chant for the backup again if Winston gets off to a bad start, and then, there may actually be some fire behind the smoke.

Key takeaways

• Coach John Harbaugh said J.J. McCarthy could serve as the backup quarterback in Week 5.
• Jameis Winston remains the starting quarterback for the New York Giants.
• New York kept three active quarterbacks on its gameday roster against Arizona in Week 4.

“In case we wanted to put JJ [McCarthy] out there and run certain plays that we had prepared for him,” Harbaugh revealed via The New York Post. The G-Men weren’t taking any chances, and had the opportunity presented itself, McCarthy would have taken the field at MetLife Stadium.

“But to think that he was going to be the backup for the whole game was unrealistic. So we had Jake up, too, and that was our thinking. We just felt like we needed three guys for kind of the two roles,” the head coach also added.

Winston holds on as QB1

Winston gave New York the full “Jameis experience” in the Giants’ 36-24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, delivering a stat line as chaotic as it was effective: 18 of 29 passes completed (62.1%) for 250 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions while taking 4 sacks.

Despite the mistakes, the win proved he can still deliver under pressure, and with newly acquired J.J. McCarthy looming in the background, Winston warned the Giants on QB changes by declaring he’s just starting to heat up and isn’t planning on giving up the starting job anytime soon.

Will Harbaugh use McCarthy in the near future?

Over their next three games, the New York Giants will travel to face the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on Sunday, October 11, 2026, return home to host the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, October 18, 2026, and then head back on the road to battle the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

Despite acquiring J.J. McCarthy in a blockbuster trade, John Harbaugh is unlikely to throw the young quarterback into action during this stretch, as Jameis Winston is coming off a productive and currently holds the starting job.

Unless Winston stumbles significantly or suffers an injury over these next three matchups, Harbaugh will almost certainly stick with his veteran under center while letting McCarthy learn the playbook from the sideline.

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh activated J.J. McCarthy against Arizona to run specific prepared plays.
• Jameis Winston threw for 250 yards and three touchdowns in New York’s 36-24 victory.
• Dallas, New Orleans, and Houston comprise the Giants’ upcoming three-game schedule.

The victory was especially important for Jameis Winston, who faced renewed attention after the Giants acquired J.J. McCarthy following Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury. Winston had a difficult start against Arizona, including two interceptions, but he recovered and finished with 250 passing yards and three touchdowns in a performance that showed why Harbaugh has continued to trust him as the starter.

The Giants ultimately needed their defense to make the biggest play of the afternoon. Arizona was charging into the red zone on the final possession, threatening to make the game extremely uncomfortable, before Deonte Banks intercepted Jacoby Brissett at the 4-yard line and returned it 98 yards for a touchdown. Harbaugh’s reaction afterward showed just how tense those final moments had been.

Giants get a great win vs Titans

John Harbaugh emphasized that the Giants’ ability to survive a chaotic game is part of what he wants this team to become. Rather than focusing on the mistakes, the coach highlighted the mentality required to win games when everything does not go according to plan.

“That’s what winning is. That’s what winning teams do. They find ways to win games. That’s why they’re winning teams and I’m proud of these guys for that. Also proud of their faith. I’m just going to be honest with you. I was praying.”

The coach’s message to his players was simple: “Keep believing, keep doing.” That mentality has become increasingly relevant for a Giants team that has dealt with major injuries but has still managed to reach a 3-1 record. Winston’s ability to recover from a rough start and deliver key plays was another important part of that resilience.

Harbaugh also understands that being at the top of the NFC East after four games is only the beginning. The Giants have plenty of room for improvement, and the coach knows the upcoming schedule will demand more from his team.

“It’s an opportunity. The idea is to get the lead and extend the lead. We’re in good position, but it’s only four games in. We can play so much better, and that’s what we’ll be chasing.”

For now, the Giants have exactly what Harbaugh wants: a winning record and confidence that they can survive difficult situations. Winston’s performance also gives the team reason to believe that the quarterback position may not need to change immediately despite the arrival of McCarthy.

Key takeaways

• The Giants improved to 3-1 after surviving a dramatic victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
• Jameis Winston recovered from two early interceptions to throw for 250 yards and three touchdowns.
• Deonte Banks sealed the win with a 98-yard interception return for a touchdown.

“I’m heating up,” Winston admitted, via Jordan Raanan of ESPN, during his postgame press conference. “And I’m starting to get better, better and better. Last week I was questioning if I can even throw. This week I got people talking about the Jameis Winston experience again.”

Timing is no coincidence. Last week, after Winston and the Giants barely moved the ball down the field well enough to defeat the Tennessee Titans, New York tested the market and completed a trade for McCarthy. In his first game serving as backup in New York, Winston put him in check. For the time being, it’s Winston’s job to lose, and he won’t give it up without putting up a fight.

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity I have now. Right now, I get to smile and say, ‘I’m the starting QB for the New York Football Giants.’ I’m still so curious and so inspired to be the best me every single day. That alone pushes me. Not another man, not another teammate. Just my desire to be what I would love,” Winston said, via SNY.

NY Giants have a QB competition

With the young quarterback awaiting his call behind Winston, the former first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft can sense the ice underneath him getting thinner, just when the temperatures start to drop in the Big Apple and the ice should actually grow thicker at the Wollman Rink in Central Park.

Although Harbaugh and the coaching staff have been reassuring, Winston knows there is a real competitor vying to take his QB1 spot in New York, and that led to adrenaline kicking in and a much better showing against the Cardinals. It wasn’t always pretty, though. Winston struggled to find his footing, but once he did, he produced just enough for the Giants to win and improve to 3-1.

Of course, once again, the G-Men needed a heroic goal-line stand from their defense to hold off the visitors at MetLife Stadium, and added the cherry on top as Deonte Banks called game with a time-expiring pick-six.

Winston’s stats in Week 4

Winston finished Week 4 18-for-19 (94.7%) for 250 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Just like Winston himself put it, it was the Jameis Winston experience for the fans in East Rutherford on the day the organization celebrated the 1986 Super Bowl-winning team, the first in franchise history, 40 years later.

Based on the interview Bolavip had with Carl Banks before the season, he is confident in Harbaugh’s team, and he got to watch the Giants clear a big hurdle live. It was a special game for everybody in New York, and Winston didn’t want to lower the bar.

Key takeaways

• Jameis Winston said he “is heating up,” subtly warning JJ McCarthy.
• New York Giants defeated the Arizona Cardinals 36-24 in Week 4.
• Jameis Winston recorded 250 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.

The head coach made sure to back Winston ever since he took over, but the quarterback’s performance raised questions on whether the Giants should reconsider the order of their QB depth chart.

Early in the Week 4 game against the Arizona Cardinals, Winston’s level led Connor Hughes of SNY to believe that a change could be just a matter of time. “Jameis Winston has guys open. He’s just not throwing to them. His time as a starter might not be much longer,” he wrote on X.

Winston gets his first TDs of 2026 with NY Giants

Hughes’ post came as the Giants’ offense got off to a weak start against the Cardinals. And it came only a week after an ugly win over the Tennessee Titans, in which the Giants failed to score a touchdown. A week before that, Winston struggled replacing Dart against the Rams in Los Angeles.

With McCarthy on the active roster, some fans at MetLife Stadium already started to campaign for him to take over. “And we have our first ‘JJ’ chant for “J.J. McCarthy from a small group of Giants fans …,” Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post wrote on X.

However, Winston immediately responded with two touchdown passes, first finding Malachi Fields in the end zone before connecting with Malik Nabers for the star wideout’s first touchdown of the 2026 NFL season.

Winston eventually added a touchdown pass to Theo Johnson to his stat sheet but also showed his inconsistency with two interceptions. The Giants defense stepped up to secure the win, but still, the team is now 3-1, and two of those wins came with Winston under center.

A QB situation to watch in New York

Though McCarthy couldn’t live up to the expectations with the Minnesota Vikings, Giants fans are excited to see what the Michigan Wolverines can do after the change of scenery.

The 23-year-old is seen as a quarterback with more upside than Winston, who may have reached his ceiling as a backup journeyman at 32. Only time will tell us whether Winston proves his doubters wrong or if Harbaugh ultimately agrees with the Giants fans chanting for McCarthy.

Key takeaways

• A season-ending injury to Jaxson Dart altered the Giants’ quarterback plans.
• Jameis Winston threw for his first touchdown passes of the 2026 season in Week 4.
• Chants for J.J. McCarthy broke out from fans at MetLife Stadium shortly before.

The move comes just days after the Giants acquired J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in a trade that immediately raised questions about his role. However, McCarthy has not had enough time to fully absorb a significant portion of the Giants’ offensive playbook, making it difficult for the coaching staff to trust him with the No. 2 role this week.

Instead, New York will once again rely on the Winston-Haener combination, while McCarthy continues learning the offense. The former first-round pick could have a much clearer path to becoming the backup as soon as next week.

J.J. McCarthy will have to wait for his Giants debut

The Giants’ decision to elevate Haener effectively confirms the plan for Sunday’s game. McCarthy has only been with the team for a few days, and although John Harbaugh has been encouraged by his ability to pick things up quickly, the quarterback is still learning a new system from scratch.

That lack of preparation time is the biggest reason McCarthy will not immediately become Winston’s backup. The Giants traded for him because they needed additional quarterback depth after Jaxson Dart’s season-ending injury, but they also understand that throwing him into a game before he is ready could create unnecessary problems.

Winston, meanwhile, enters the Cardinals matchup with the full confidence of Harbaugh. The veteran quarterback remains the clear QB1 after doing what the coaching staff needed to beat the Tennessee Titans, and the Giants are giving him another opportunity to establish himself following Dart’s injury.

Haener now gets another chance to serve as Winston’s immediate backup after previously holding that role. His familiarity with the offense gives him an advantage over McCarthy, who is still working through the terminology, concepts and responsibilities of the Giants’ system.

The situation could change quickly. If McCarthy continues progressing throughout the week, there is a strong possibility that he will eventually move ahead of Haener on the depth chart. For Sunday’s game, however, the Giants are sticking with the formula they know: Winston as QB1 and Haener as QB2, with McCarthy continuing to prepare for his opportunity.

Key takeaways

• J.J. McCarthy won’t be Giants’ backup QB for game vs Cardinals.
• Jake Haener has been elevated to the active roster and he’ll be QB2.
• Jameis Winston will be starting quarterback against Arizona.