J.J. McCarthy leads Giants to 27-21 win over Texans
The new quarterback's first start produced 250 passing yards and a victory that puts New York atop the NFC East.
By Isaac Medina ·
J.J. McCarthy led the New York Giants to a 27-21 overtime victory against the Houston Texans last week. The win secured the first-place position in the NFC East for the Giants, who currently hold a 4-2-1 record. McCarthy, the 2024 10th overall pick out of Michigan, entered the game as a new starter after being traded from the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 28.
The quarterback completed 20 of 28 passes for 250 yards without throwing a touchdown or an interception. His performance included five completions of at least 20 yards. That total tied his career single-game high. The record was set one week prior when he entered the game in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints.
McCarthy showed ability to throw under pressure. He connected with Malik Nabers for 17 yards while moving against a free rusher. He also threw a 47-yard deep out route to Malachi Fields. Despite these plays, he made questionable decisions during the two-minute drive before halftime. He threw an incomplete deep ball into double coverage.
The Philadelphia Eagles face the Giants in Week 9. The Eagles enter the game with a 2-6 record, their worst start through the first eight games since 1999. According to The Athletic’s playoff simulator, the Eagles have a 1% chance of making the playoffs following their 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday night.
Defensive tackle Jordan Davis discussed his approach to the current losing streak. He drew parallels to the 2023 season, when the Eagles lost six of their last seven games. Davis said the team learns the most about its character and work ethic during losing periods.
Young players are under scrutiny as the team evaluates its roster. Makai Lemon, the No. 20 overall pick out of USC, has become the team's most targeted receiver. In his last two games, he averaged 9.5 yards per reception and leads the team with 96 yards after the catch. Eli Stowers made his first NFL catch against the Commanders. He finished that game with three receptions for 53 yards.
Markel Bell is still developing as a rookie. He conceded two sacks to the Commanders in his fifth NFL start. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio described the team's run defense as inconsistent this season. He characterized Sunday's performance as OK to borderline good.
The Eagles have allowed over 100 rushing yards in every game this season. This places them 28th in the league in rushing yards against. In 2024, the defense allowed at least 100 rushing yards in only nine regular-season games and finished ranked 10th in the league.
The Giants are coming off their best offensive performance on the ground this season. Six different rushers combined for a season-high 188 yards and four touchdowns on 34 attempts against the Texans. Cam Skattebo had a 44-yard carry, and Devin Singletary scored on a 30-yard run.
Skattebo is reportedly day to day with a hamstring injury. He could be a game-time decision for Sunday's matchup. The Eagles defense also struggles to limit chunk plays. According to NFL data scientist Sam Hoppen, the Eagles rank 29th in the league in explosive passing play rate allowed at 6.7%.
