Sports · October 18, 2026
Giants put J.J. McCarthy in with Saints up 34-10 in fourth quarter
In a Week 6 matchup on October 18, 2026, the New York Giants benched starting quarterback Jameis Winston for J.J. McCarthy in the fourth quarter after falling behind 34-10 to the New Orleans Saints. McCarthy, who was recently acquired from the Vikings, led a significant rally that included two scoring drives and a record-breaking 243 passing yards in the final 11 minutes. The comeback attempt fell short as the Giants lost 34-27 following an incomplete pass on fourth-and-1 in the closing seconds. Giants head coach John Harbaugh declined to name a starting quarterback for the following week's game against the Houston Texans.
Read the original coverage
- NBC SportsSports network
Giants put J.J. McCarthy in with Saints up 34-10 in fourth quarter
Read at NBC Sports ↗ - CBS SportsSports network
Jameis Winston benched: J.J. McCarthy
Read at CBS Sports ↗ - New York PostTabloid
Giants’ J.J. McCarthy rally falls short in wild loss to Saints as Jameis Winston gets benched
Read at New York Post ↗ - Yahoo SportsSports network
Comeback by J.J. McCarthy, Giants falls short: Here's how fans reacted
Read at Yahoo Sports ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- The New Orleans Saints defeated the New York Giants 34-27 at MetLife Stadium.
- Jameis Winston was benched in the fourth quarter after throwing his second interception.
- J.J. McCarthy replaced Winston and threw for 243 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
- The Giants rallied from a 34-10 deficit to bring the score to 34-27.
- The final Giants drive ended on an incomplete pass intended for Isaiah Likely on fourth-and-1 with 12 seconds remaining.
- Head coach John Harbaugh did not commit to a starting quarterback for the next game immediately following the loss.
Reported by only some outlets
- McCarthy set an NFL record for the most passing yards in an 11-minute span.
- The Giants defense allowed 34 consecutive points after leading 10-0.
- Charlie Jones fumbled a kickoff in the second half, contributing to the Saints' scoring run.
- McCarthy had one snap in the first half for a zone-read play before being benched until the fourth quarter.
- Jameis Winston had three touchdowns in back-to-back games leading up to this performance.
Confirmed
- Giants benched Jameis Winston for J.J. McCarthy in the 4th quarter.
- The Saints won 34-27.
- McCarthy threw for 243 yards in his relief appearance.
- John Harbaugh declined to name a starter for the next game.
Reported
- McCarthy's 243 yards in 11 minutes is an NFL record. (CBS Sports)
- Harbaugh would have attempted a 2-point conversion if they scored the final touchdown. (New York Post)
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