Giants' QB Battle Heats Up After Stunning Loss to Saints
The Giants lost 37-24 to the Saints, sparking uncertainty at quarterback and running back despite J.J. McCarthy's late heroics.
The New York Giants suffered a 37-24 defeat to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, leaving their offensive identity in question [2]. The loss came despite a late surge led by rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who threw for 243 yards in the fourth quarter — the second-most in a non-starting performance over the past 25 seasons. McCarthy completed 11 of 21 passes, threw a touchdown, and was intercepted once, but his final pass sailed over a triple-covered Isaiah Likely in the end zone with under 20 seconds left.
Coach John Harbaugh refused to name a starter for next week’s game against the Houston Texans, saying he couldn’t make a decision so soon after the game [2]. The choice remains between veteran Jameis Winston, who threw two interceptions in his first loss in four starts, and McCarthy, who showed flashes of promise with 26 rushing yards and three scoring drives. Harbaugh said he has no problem with Winston, according to one source.
The Giants’ running game continued to struggle, with all four active backs — Cam Skattebo, Najee Harris, Devin Singletary, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. — combining for just 34 yards on 14 carries [2]. Skattebo, who had led the team with 81 rushes and 294 yards through five games, saw zero carries after fumbling in overtime the previous week. Harbaugh said the decision wasn’t a benching but a search for a ‘hot hand’ among the backs, noting none had stepped up.
The game also featured a key matchup between Saints outside linebacker Chase Young and Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas, who is listed as questionable due to a groin injury [1]. Young, who had a career-high 10 sacks in 2025 and leads the Saints with four this season, remains a threat despite past inconsistency.
The Giants’ offensive struggles extend beyond the backfield. They managed only six points in the first quarter across their first five games, a poor showing but not the worst in the league [1]. With the Saints’ defense tightening and the Giants’ offense failing to sustain drives, the team’s early-season momentum has stalled.
What happens next? Harbaugh must decide on a starting quarterback and find a consistent running back before facing the Texans in Houston.
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
- New York Post: Giants vs. Saints: Preview, prediction, what to watch for in Week 6
- ESPN: Giants' QB and RB situations left unsettled after home loss to Saints
