QB Notebook: J.J. McCarthy's Start and Daniel Jones' Future

QB Notebook: J.J. McCarthy's Start and Daniel Jones' Future

In the latest Quarterback Notebook, insights into the performances of NFL quarterbacks from the past week are shared, spotlighting J.J. McCarthy's debut start for the New York Giants and examining Daniel Jones' struggles with the Indianapolis Colts.

Evaluating J.J. McCarthy's First Start

J.J. McCarthy, the 2024 first-round draft pick, managed to utilize his opportunity to start effectively, having arguably his best game yet against the Texans. He connected well with receiver Malik Nabers on a series of critical throws and demonstrated a willingness to take calculated risks. However, analysts urge caution before drawing major conclusions—whether to laude him as the next great quarterback or criticize his previous coach, Kevin O’Connell, for his prior underachievement.

While it is notable that McCarthy displayed an ability to hit difficult throws, his performance also raised questions about his consistency. His average success rate on dropbacks was the lowest among starters in Week 7. This statistic highlights the uncertainty of a passing attack reliant on deep, high-risk throws. McCarthy showed potential with 8 completions out of 13 attempts over 10 air yards, but the real test will be his ability to consistently deliver under pressure.

The Case for Benching Daniel Jones

Meanwhile, the Colts are in disarray, highlighted by the recent firing of general manager Chris Ballard and the trading of star players Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, sparking discussions about the team’s direction moving forward. With a season that seems to be spiraling, a suggestion is made to bench Daniel Jones in favor of younger quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard, both of whom could benefit from game experience.

Jones’ struggles have been pronounced this season, with his QBR falling markedly below previous performances, specifically his lack of mobility that seems to have been hampered by lingering effects from an Achilles injury. His lingering discomfort and reduced effectiveness in throwing on the run have contributed to his struggle to adapt the team’s offensive scheme to his strengths, which played a significant role in his success in 2025.

The Double A-Gap Defense's Impact

Furthermore, a trend observed among defenses is the increased use of double A-gap formations, introduced by the late Jim Johnson, which has returned in prominence. This formation challenges quarterbacks by complicating protections and dictating the pace of play, benefiting defenses across the league.