The New York Giants are keeping Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback, but the arrival of J.J. McCarthy from the Vikings has stirred things up. McCarthy, a top-10 pick, is starting as the third-stringer, but everyone knows he’s got the talent to climb the depth chart fast. It all hinges on how Winston performs in the coming games, especially at home against the Arizona Cardinals and then on the road against the Washington Commanders. Coach John Harbaugh is taking it one week at a time, even sporting a ‘1-0’ shirt to emphasize the focus on the present. Winston, a 12-year veteran, isn’t sweating the competition. ‘I have to play well regardless,’ he said. ‘When you’re the quarterback for the New York Football Giants, you have to give your team a chance to win.’ The Giants are in a patient mode, having just signed Winston to a two-year extension, showing they believe in him. But his recent stats are rough—dead last in QBR with a 22.9 and the worst off-target percentage at 29.2%. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy chalks it up to weather and mechanics, but Winston knows he needs to step up. The team has his back, though, after seeing him play well in spots last season. McCarthy, meanwhile, is soaking it all in, learning from Winston and showing dedication. He’s got his own questions to answer, with a high off-target rate from his time in Minnesota. Harbaugh sees potential in McCarthy, calling him a good football player, but for now, Winston’s job is on the line. It’s a two-week tryout, and Winston is ready to prove he’s still the guy.
