The Jameis Winston roller coaster continues for the New York Giants. Fans and analysts have watched as this veteran quarterback has caused the team many ups and downs. However, New York has found a way to get the job done with him. It hasn’t been easy, but the Giants made the right call by keeping him. Winston has made each play work for his team. He spends the first half struggling to get the ball out and into his offensive line's hands, but by the second half, Winston is shotgunning the ball downfield and praying someone catches it.
Winston was the backup plan after the team's starting quarterback, Jaxson Dart, went out in Week Two with a season-ending knee injury, leaving the team to rely on the veteran for the rest of the season. The Giants not only have this player but also their most recent signing, J.J. McCarthy, whom they're trying to get up to speed as quickly as possible. The former 2015 first-round pick has kept Big Blue going with the plays he's been pulling off. Most of the time, he surprises many fans with what he can do. Winston can have several plays where he overthrows the ball or struggles to find an opening, then on third down find a way to get the first down.
Winston Finds His Rhythm After a Rocky Start
Since joining the New York Giants, Winston has experienced both highs and lows. The veteran quarterback struggled against the Los Angeles Rams, completing just 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception. In this game, however, he wasn't prepared to play. However, the veteran gunslinger has improved in recent weeks, throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals before recording 326 passing yards and three touchdowns against the Washington Commanders. In four appearances, the former first-round pick has thrown for 805 passing yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.
He has learned quickly how head coach John Harbaugh operates and wants to do what his team needs. New York wants points on the board and has struggled to do so for the last several years, especially in the Brian Daboll era. Winston has spent a lot of time hyping up his team to make sure they can get the job done, even if they only put up field goals. With both this veteran and Harbaugh unifying the team, the team has reached a 3-1-1 record. Winston doesn't give up easily and makes it a point to put his heart into every game. However, the question remains how much longer he can hold up for the Giants this season.
How Much Longer Can Winston Hold Off McCarthy?
This veteran has been struggling, but he's found ways to make it work. Winston doesn’t start making explosive plays until the second half or even the end of the game when the Giants need it. The team has given him small breaks in recent games by slowly working McCarthy into the picture. However, with McCarthy in, the drives have been nothing but negative. Big Blue needs to find the time to put more work into him. He can be a triple threat like Dart, but it’ll take time for him to warm up as the Giants' starting quarterback before Winston tires out.
Winston will keep playing for now. However, if he slips further, they may decide to officially switch quarterbacks for the season. They may have just re-signed him for two more years, but this veteran needs to show why they kept him, despite showing both Dart and McCarthy how to be humble and take pride in their play. It’s not the best choice, but it's still a choice New York has. Hopefully, Winston can keep this up as the Giants prepare to host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EST.
