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ArticleWhy the Giants felt compelled to turn to J.J. McCarthy nowWhy the Giants felt c...Captured October 22, 2026
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It was immediately evident that the coaching staff viewed McCarthy's legs as an asset. Even as he was cramming to learn the playbook, the coaches installed quarterback-run packages for McCarthy. McCarthy's 28-yard scramble to kick-start the final drive against the Saints was an illustration of the difference between him at quarterback and Winston, whose lumbering pocket movement led to sacks.

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McCarthy's legs key to Giants' offensive identity; zone reads and scrambles expected.

McCarthy's biggest impact as the Giants' starter is expected to come on the run game. The coaching staff installed quarterback-run packages for McCarthy, including zone reads, to reincorporate the dual-threat elements that were central to the offense's identity with Jaxson Dart. McCarthy's 28-yard scramble in the final drive against the Saints illustrated the difference between his mobility and Winston's lumbering pocket movement. Even though McCarthy isn't as effective a rusher as Dart, defenses will need to respect him as a running threat, which should open lanes on zone reads—desperately needed given the offensive line and running backs' struggles.

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