J.J. McCarthy was promoted to the New York Giants’ starting quarterback role. Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho isn’t convinced the move will work out.
The Giants named McCarthy their starter on Wednesday after he impressed in relief of Jameis Winston during their Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints. McCarthy threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
However, Acho believes the circumstances surrounding that performance will make it much harder for McCarthy to replicate his success against Houston.
Speaking on Speakeasy, Acho questioned whether McCarthy could handle the job.
“JJ McCarthy bouta go out there and STINK IT UP! His starting job will be very quickly taken away,” Acho said via Speakeasy’s X .
Acho acknowledged that McCarthy’s performance against New Orleans deserved recognition, but argued that the circumstances were significantly different from what the quarterback will encounter in Week 7.
When McCarthy entered the game against the Saints, New Orleans had primarily prepared for Winston. That meant the defense hadn’t spent much time developing a game plan specifically designed to contain the former Minnesota Vikings quarterback.
Now that McCarthy has been named the starter, Acho expects Houston to approach the matchup differently.
“When you are playing a backup quarterback, you do not scout the backup quarterback. You scout the starting quarterback,” Acho explained.
He also highlighted the quality of Houston’s secondary, arguing that McCarthy will face a much tougher challenge against the Texans than he did against New Orleans.
Acho believes the quarterback’s relief appearance has created expectations that may be difficult to meet once opposing defenses have a full game plan built around him.
J.J. McCarthy Gets Another Opportunity With Giants
This is a significant opportunity for McCarthy to revive his career after a difficult time in Minnesota. The Giants acquired him in a trade with the Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, giving him a fresh start in New York.
His performance against the Saints gave head coach John Harbaugh enough confidence to make the change, even though Winston had started the previous four games.
Winston responded professionally and expressed his commitment to supporting McCarthy.
“Every single week, you’re defined off of the last time you stepped foot on the field. Last game, my job is to lead the New York Football Giants to a win, and that didn’t happen. I’m extremely grateful that I still get to do what I love, and that’s play football at a high level for the New York Football Giants. Being able to accept roles and understand, ‘How can I be the best at my role with this team?'” – Winston said via the SNY Giants’ X.
Meanwhile, McCarthy has spoken positively about his new team and the opportunity to establish himself as a starting quarterback again.
For now, McCarthy has the starting job. Whether he can keep it will depend on what he delivers when the Texans are ready.
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