J.J. McCarthy stresses only 1-0 matters after Giants win in Houston

J.J. McCarthy arrived in East Rutherford less than a month ago after the New York Giants acquired him from the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round pick following Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury. He began as the third quarterback on the depth chart behind Jameis Winston and Jake Haener.

By Sunday in Houston, he was the starter, completing 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a 27-21 overtime win that improved the Giants to 4-2-1.

McCarthy’s focus after the game stayed on the result rather than his individual numbers.

“Truly the only stat I care about is going 1-0,” McCarthy told reporters. “I (couldn't) care less how we get it done. At the end of the day, you want to perform well. You want to execute well. It’s one of those things where if the running backs are getting their touches and getting their touchdowns, I’m as happy as I can be. Whether I’m throwing the touchdowns, I’m as happy as I can be. At the end of the day, all that matters is getting that victory.”

He described carrying the same approach into every practice and game: Concentrating on what he can do in any given six seconds to help the offense move the ball. The preparation that supported that approach began immediately upon his arrival.

“I just give so much credit to the coaches, Jameis, Jake and Jaxson for helping me out the second I walked in the door,” McCarthy said. “All credit goes to everyone in that building for helping me get prepared for this game.”

The path from third-string to starter came with a deliberate mindset. McCarthy said he lives by the idea of “Amor Fati,” an acceptance of one’s fate, and recalled a chapel message that redirected his thinking after the trade.

“Don’t ask why, ask what’s next,” McCarthy said. “Really just focus on the next step in front of you and how you could attack that to the best of your ability. It’s one of those things where you think you’re starting over, but no, you’re starting from experience. To be able to be plugged into this group and this culture, I’m just extremely honored.”

The comfort he described has roots in the final stretch of his time in Minnesota. McCarthy pointed to a home game against Washington late last season as the point where defenses began to slow down, and he felt an upward trajectory. That foundation has carried into his work with the Giants, where he credits refined weekly preparation for the ability to deliver tight-window throws and convert third-and-long situations.

“I feel like I’m in a really good spot right now, just Monday through Saturday and just being able to have that trust in these guys as early as now,” McCarthy said. “I haven’t been here long, but I trust those guys every time the ball comes out of my hand. I trust the offensive line up front. I trust the backs are going to get us in great situations when I do hit the checkdowns, but at the end of the day, it’s the players around me.”

The win sent the Giants into their bye week with the quarterback acquired in late September having directed the offense in his first start.