Russell Wilson says Harbaugh, Giants have taken pressure off J.J. McCarthy

New York holds the No. 3 seed at 4-2-1 after Week 7

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h2 min read

"That level of support where you don't have to put it ALL on your shoulders ... that's a big thing for a young 23-year-o Via @NFLonCBS on X

What happened: Speaking on CBS's 'Set Hut,' Wilson said the Giants' offensive structure spares the 23-year-old quarterback from having to carry the entire burden on his shoulders. New York acquired McCarthy via trade after the former Michigan standout was selected 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the team defeated the Houston Texans 27-21 on Sunday.

Why it matters: The midseason addition steadied a quarterback room that had to pivot after Harbaugh said the Giants were open to all options at quarterback following Jaxson Dart's injury. Rather than asking a young trade acquisition to carry the offense alone, the coaching staff has relied on its supporting cast to stay in the NFC playoff picture.

By the numbers: With Dart starting Week 1 at 23 years, 123 days old and McCarthy starting Week 7 at 23 years, 278 days, the Giants have started the two youngest quarterbacks in the NFL this season. In 10 games during the 2025 season with Minnesota, McCarthy completed 140 of 243 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

What to watch: New York now faces a buy-or-stand-pat decision ahead of the NFL trade deadline as it looks to extend its winning streak.

Sources

@NFLonCBS 2026-10-27T18:41:05.894145+00:00

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Russell Wilson says Harbaugh, Giants have taken pressure off J.J. McCarthy

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