The New York Giants could give quarterback J.J. McCarthy a small run-pass option package against the New Orleans Saints, an approach Locked On Giants host Patricia Traina believes could create space for a ground game that has struggled to establish itself. McCarthy has appeared in one game since joining the Giants and logged two rushing attempts, providing a limited early look at the mobility element Traina thinks the offense could tap into.
Traina framed the potential McCarthy usage as a situational complement to Giants quarterback Jameis Winston, not a reason to begin a full quarterback rotation. She said a few RPO plays could force defenders to account for McCarthy as a runner, making it harder to load the box against the run.
Winston remains first on the Giants’ official depth chart, with McCarthy listed behind him. The depth chart also lists running back Cam Skattebo as the lead option in a backfield that includes Tyrone Tracy Jr., Najee Harris and Devin Singletary.
Traina cautioned against making the package too obvious. If McCarthy enters only to run RPOs, she said, the Saints can anticipate the call and the Giants risk giving away the advantage the changeup was meant to create. Her preference is for Winston to retain the bulk of the offense while McCarthy’s movement ability appears in carefully chosen situations.
The Saints game will show whether the Giants view McCarthy as more than an emergency reserve behind Winston. A limited series or two would give the offense another way to test defensive fronts without committing to a wholesale change at quarterback.
Giants News and Notes
– Skattebo has four fumbles through five games, including one lost. Traina’s film review focused on his ball carriage when he tries to use a stiff arm in traffic, arguing that protecting the football must take priority over fighting for an extra yard.
– The Giants’ Bryan Hudson said his increased work at center has sharpened his responsibility for protections, IDs and pre-snap communication. Hudson is listed as the starter ahead of John Michael Schmitz Jr. on the current depth chart.
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