The New York Giants have opened 3-1, but quarterback Jameis Winston’s uneven command of the offense has kept the team’s biggest offensive question alive entering Sunday’s trip to Washington. Locked On Giants host Patricia Traina said the Giants appear prepared to stay with Winston for now, even as late throws, off-target passes and the potential for turnovers create a case for turning to backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Traina said Winston has had trouble adjusting to the new system, with throws arriving late and low enough to disrupt receivers after the catch. His willingness to attack vertically still gives the Giants an explosive element, but Locked On Commanders host David Harrison noted that the same aggression has produced throws that appeared headed directly toward defenders.
That volatility matters more against the Washington Commanders, whose defense has collected five takeaways over its past two games. The Giants cannot afford to turn a divisional road matchup into a short-field game for Washington, particularly if the Commanders bring Jayden Daniels (elbow) back as expected and regain the offense’s full mobility and playmaking range.
McCarthy offers a different skill set from Winston as a runner and off-schedule creator, which could give New York a way to make Washington prepare for more than one quarterback profile. Traina cautioned that McCarthy may not yet be ready for a full-time role, but she suggested the Giants could use a limited package rather than waiting for Winston’s struggles to force a wholesale change.
Winston’s decision-making also directly affects how often Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers gets chances to change the game. Nabers posted six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown against Arizona in Week 4, and New York needs its quarterback to create enough clean opportunities for its top target without exposing the ball to Washington’s opportunistic secondary.
Week 5 gives the Giants a chance to extend their early NFC East momentum, but it also tests whether Winston can play within the structure of the offense while still delivering the explosive plays that have helped fuel the start.
Giants News and Notes
– Nabers remains the centerpiece of the passing game after his 112-yard performance against the Cardinals last week. Traina expects New York to consider using tight end Isaiah Likely more heavily if Washington devotes extra coverage resources to Nabers.
– Giants running backs Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. are part of a ball-security concern after the group put four fumbles on the ground through four games, Traina said. She also pointed to the rushing attack, which is averaging 3.7 yards per attempt, as an area New York must improve against Washington.
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