J.J. McCarthy leads Giants to overtime win in first start
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy threw for 252 yards and two long touchdowns as the New York Giants defeated the Houston Texans 27-21 in overtime.
J.J. McCarthy made his first start for the New York Giants on Sunday, guiding the team to a 27-21 overtime victory over the Houston Texans. The 2024 first-round pick completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards and recorded two 40-plus-yard completions in the opening quarter, a feat not achieved by a Giants quarterback since Eli Manning in 2011.
"Everything about this place, it feels very fitting for me," McCarthy said on Wednesday.
McCarthy displayed early aggression, connecting with wide receiver Malik Nabers on deep routes that set up a short touchdown and a field-goal opportunity. He also delivered a 47-yard pass to rookie Malachi Fields. After the Giants' rushing attack sparked in the second half, McCarthy shifted to a more restrained approach, helping sustain a 14-play, 80-yard drive that gave New York the lead before the Texans tied the game late.
The Giants secured the win in overtime when Cam Skattebo returned a kickoff 42 yards and running back Devin Singletary capped the drive with a 30-yard touchdown run. McCarthy was sacked three times but avoided critical turnovers that had plagued his tenure in Minnesota.
The Texans struggled defensively, missing safeties Jalen Pitre and Reed Blankenship and incurring ten penalties, which contributed to the Giants' offensive success. McCarthy acknowledged his growth, noting that experience had prepared him better for this start.
The performance offers a positive outlook for both McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and a Giants offense seeking stability after losing Jaxson Dart to injury.