Make New York Post a Preferred Source Jameis Winston feels like he can’t win even when the Giants are victorious.
Criticized for years that he puts up big fantasy-football statistics but makes too many losing plays, an animated Winston spent Wednesday fending off criticism that his signature arm strength is fading and that he did not make enough big plays in the 12-7 win against the Titans.
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“Honestly, I feel like a lot of people are surprised that we can win a game in the manner that we did because everyone’s so used to me throwing for 500 yards and throwing interceptions, right?” said Winston, who led the league in passing yards (5,109) and interceptions (30) when he last was a full-time starter for the 2019 Buccaneers.
“But when God allows me to manage a football game, now it’s, ‘Does he still have it?’ I mean, I’ve seen a lot of quarterbacks go 62 percent [completions] for less than 150 yards and win a football game, but it’s not a question [for them]. But it’s a question because, I get it, the identity, right? That’s why assumptions make a …”
Rather than assume anything about Winston’s play improving from the seven touchdown-less quarters since he took the mantle from injured franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart — or about him remaining healthy — the Giants traded a fifth-round pick Monday for former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy to be his backup.
Does Winston feel challenged — or even disrespected — that the Giants made that move? Especially if it was interpreted as a quick change of heart only three weeks after Winston signed a two-year, $13 million extension?
“I have to play well regardless,” Winston said. “It doesn’t matter who’s in the building. When you’re the quarterback for the New York Football Giants, you have to give your team a chance to win, and that’s just the business that we’re in.”
McCarthy was the third quarterback up — behind practice-squadder Jake Haener — in individual drills at his first Giants practice. He stayed after with Winston — both NCAA national champions who became top 10 draft picks — for extra work.
“I’m happy to have anyone that’s my teammate,” Winston said of his first impression. “But he’s curious. He wants to be great. I think anybody that gets the opportunity to come to a new organization with a fresh start wants to make an impact.”
People expecting Winston to ride the inconsistent roller coaster that he is known for are waiting for highs like when he threw for 366 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions last season to balance out his errant passes to Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely.
“I know what I’m capable of, but also I know what’s required of me,” Winston said. “I can make all the throws. I can do anything I put my mind to. I’m blessed to that point. But at the same time, my job is to give the team the best chance to win.”
The Cardinals, who visit MetLife Stadium on Sunday, are scoring 21 points per game and allowing 27. Without a nor’easter in the forecast like last week, the Giants likely will need to score more than four field goals to improve to 3-1.
“My desire is to score some touchdowns this game,” Winston said. “And that’s what my focus [is] on, man. Like, it’s required.”
Winston has completed 51 percent of his passes for 229 yards with a 55.6 quarterback rating.
“Me and Jax had early mornings, long nights, and that’s just the same mantra I’m having with Jameis,” Likely said. “And I feel like we’re taking strides. Obviously, some passes we’re going to want back, whether it’s me running a route or him throwing the ball, but that’s just growing pains in the offense. Me and Jameis are fighting like heck to try to be on the same page.”
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Head coach John Harbaugh named Winston the starter for the foreseeable future but the two did not have an extended conversation about job security after McCarthy arrived.
“I feel challenged to get better every single day,” Winston said. “I just think that’s the makeup of who I am as a person — always looking for ways to build on the positives and eliminate the negatives. You hear me say this a lot, no matter the circumstances, conditions, or facts, my mind is on what my heart desires, and that’s to be a Super Bowl-winning quarterback.”
