J.J. McCarthy, Giants Face Surging Texans in Week 7 Test

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

McCarthy’s Opportunity With the Giants and McGee’s Chance in Philadelphia

The Giants’ decision to go with JJ McCarthy did not send bettors rushing to the market. Houston is now laying 10.5 points despite returning from London, allowing another 30 points and failing to perform up to expectations.

Still, the Giants have reason to feel encouraged by McCarthy’s fourth-quarter performance. Although it came during garbage time against a prevent defense, he made several stunning throws under pressure and consistently delivered the ball into his receivers’ hands.

Drew Brees also appeared surprised by how well McCarthy played. His analysis suggested that McCarthy’s performance was worth watching closely, adding to the intrigue surrounding what could become one of the trades of the NFL season.

The Giants acquired a quarterback for a fifth-round pick, and McCarthy does not need to maintain that fourth-quarter level of play for the move to pay off. If he can help take the Giants to the playoffs at 10-7 or 9-8, his value could rise from a fifth-round pick to a possible second-round pick.

Teams next season may not want to commit to the available first-round quarterbacks. Malik Willis received a significant contract after his time in Green Bay and his relationship with Halfley. McCarthy could potentially earn a similar deal simply by playing well enough to establish himself as one of the league’s better backups or perhaps the 27th-best starting quarterback.

The betting line, however, is a warning not to move too quickly. Taking the Giants and the points is tempting, but Houston has looked as good as any team in the NFL over the last couple of weeks. The Texans appear to have turned the corner and are surging, making it difficult to bet against them.

The matchup should be a strong litmus test for both teams. Houston’s defense has not looked the same as it did a year ago, while the Giants now have an opportunity to show whether McCarthy’s fourth-quarter performance can provide a lasting spark.

Tanner McGee also has a major opportunity with the Eagles. This is not expected to be a short-term assignment; it is now his team in a weak division. Those who argued that he should play over Hurts because he was a better passer will now get the chance to see whether the passing game improves.

McKee did not blow anyone away in his previous appearance, but he was not especially poor either, and the weapons were not there. There is no reason to give up on him, while the anticipation surrounding McCarthy’s next start remains high.