3 storylines for Giants vs. Texans: Will it be Jameis or J.J. at QB?

As the New York Giants prepare to face the Houston Texans in Week 7, one of the most pressing questions surrounding the team is whether they will start Jameis Winston or J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. Following a dramatic 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints, Giants head coach John Harbaugh has yet to make a decision, stating that the team is still "honing in" on their choice.

While Winston's experience and leadership among the team are appealing, McCarthy's fourth-quarter heroics in the previous game against New Orleans showcased his potential as a mobile, versatile quarterback. However, the Giants' decision may be influenced by the fact that McCarthy was primarily used as their third-string quarterback due to their initial struggles with finding a reliable starter.

The team's offensive strategy centers around a run-first approach, but their ground game has been ineffective, averaging only 3.8 yards per attempt. This lack of production from the running backs has been attributed to both their play and blocking. The Giants' offseason interest in acquiring a top-tier running back, such as Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley, suggests that they recognize the importance of improving their ground game.

One potential solution could be giving more opportunities to Cam Skattebo, who has shown flashes of effectiveness despite his four fumbles this season. The running backs' blocking is another area of concern, with the Giants' overall run-blocking grade sitting at 49.5, which ranks 29th in the league. This has resulted in numerous costly mistakes for the backs, making it difficult for them to make significant gains.

The Giants' recent struggles both in the passing and running games have led to a string of close games, with four of their five losses coming by one score or decided in the final moments. The inconsistency in the team's performance highlights the need for improvement, particularly in their offensive line, where some key players have underperformed.

As the Giants prepare for the Texans, it remains to be seen whether they will choose to stick with Winston, who has shown flashes of brilliance, or take a chance on the younger, more dynamic McCarthy.