Jameis Winston will need to do more going forward . . . but what is a realistic expectation for Giants QB?
Giants quarterback Jameis Winston reacts after being sacked in the fourth quarter during a game against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Credit: Ed Murray
The Giants got their first taste of the Jameis Winston experience last season. His big arm makes plays, but his risk-taking brings costly turnovers.
This year’s version seems much shakier. Winston’s first win as a Giants starter was satisfying, but there has been little to reassure Giants fans that he'll do more than keep the team afloat.
Winston said the right things Sunday after the Giants' 12-7 win over the Titans. Quarterbacks are judged by wins and losses, and yes, John Harbaugh praised Winston for getting that main job done.
“I thought Jameis did what was required in this game,” Harbaugh said. “The first thing you have to do is what's necessary. What's required. After that, then you can do what's possible. Then maybe the impossible becomes possible.”
It’s hard to say what’s possible just yet. The small sample size with Winston isn’t pretty. He didn’t turn the ball over Sunday, but he threw for only 118 yards. There has been little indication that he can create consistent drives.
Harbaugh said Winston will remain the starting quarterback, but through two games, there’s reason to worry about how he will do against better teams.
The Giants averaged 4.1 yards per play Sunday, a slight step up from 3.0 yards per play last Monday under Winston but still middling. The offense is 6-for-25 on third downs since Winston took over.
In two games, Winston is 25-for-49 for 229 yards, which averages to just under 4.7 yards per attempt. The Giants have scored zero touchdowns with Winston and the passing game is almost a non-threat.
For it to work, the ground game has to play the way it did Sunday. Najee Harris had nine carries for 52 yards and looked explosive. Cam Skattebo had 60 yards, although he averaged only 3.0 yards per carry.
Asking Winston to save things seems too much to ask of a veteran who isn’t the player he was last decade as a former No. 1 overall pick. His teammates believe in him, though, and that confidence was evident from several players after the win.
“Jameis came in and took full control of the offense and he has my full support,” rookie guard Sisi Mauigoa said. “He’s done a tremendous job in practice and he’s earned my 100% respect.”
The Giants’ pursuit of another quarterback isn’t to replace Winston for now; it’s more about insurance. Jake Haener, signed from the practice squad, will back up Winston.
The reality is that there aren’t many options who can recreate what Jaxson Dart does or be better than Winston, so the Giants will have to trust that he can do more good than bad. If he can deliver wins, the struggles might be part of this version of his experience.
“To be able to put a W in the win column is something that I am proud about,” he said. “So no matter what they say or what they do, I know it's what's in me, not what's on me. Today, we celebrate a W.”
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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