Giants weigh quarterback change as running game struggles persist

New York Giants coach John Harbaugh said he could not discuss the quarterback situation immediately after Sunday’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, noting the decision would be made after further work. The team’s recent poll showed 81 percent of respondents favored J.J. McCarthy over Jameis Winston for the upcoming game against the Houston Texans.

Harbaugh inserted McCarthy late in the Saints game when the Giants trailed by 24 points. McCarthy threw for 243 yards and led a brief comeback that fell short, prompting the coach to praise his effort under “desperation time.”

"I thought he [McCarthy] came in there and did a heck of a job given the circumstances, and kind of desperation time," Harbaugh said.

The Giants’ rushing attack has been described as “a disaster,” with 14 carries for 34 yards (2.4 yards per attempt) on Sunday. Four running backs shared snaps, and none produced a consistent threat. Harbaugh explained the approach as an attempt to find a back who could take “the bull by the horns.”

"One of those guys needs to step up. Somebody needs to step up and be the back," he said.

Running back Najee Harris, who entered the season after returning from an Achilles injury, expressed frustration with the limited opportunities, saying it is difficult to establish rhythm with sporadic carries.

"It’s hard to get in a rhythm with one or two plays," Harris said.

The loss also featured a missed opportunity in the first half when a timeout negated a sack that could have preserved a 10-0 lead. The Saints later tied the game and scored 34 unanswered points in the second half.

With a bye week before back-to-back division games, Harbaugh must decide whether to start McCarthy against the Texans or retain Winston for another week while the rookie prepares.

The Giants remain atop the NFC East despite a 3-2-1 record, benefitting from early-season struggles by the Eagles and Cowboys.