The New York Giants’ decision to start J.J. McCarthy has sparked debate, and WFAN host Craig Carton has questioned head coach John Harbaugh’s reasoning.

McCarthy joined the Giants after the Minnesota Vikings traded him, and he will now start against the Houston Texans. Carton believes the decision is unnecessary and could put the Giants’ season at risk with the team competing for the NFC East title.

Speaking on WFAN Sports Radio, Carton described Harbaugh’s decision as a sign of panic, questioning why the coach would turn to a quarterback who had only recently arrived in New York.

“But this is a desperate move of a panicky coach,” Carton said.

He also pointed to Harbaugh’s recent tensions with the media and his decision to move on from a running back who had complained about a lack of opportunities.

McCarthy entered the Giants’ Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter, replacing Winston with New York trailing 34-10.

He completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Although the Giants lost that game, his performance convinced the coaching staff he deserved a chance to start.

Carton questioned the need for such a significant change.

“Oh, I don’t know. I went and double-checked the standings today. You’re in first place. Why are you going to your third-string quarterback when you’re in first place?” he said.

John Harbaugh Backs McCarthy Ahead of Texans Matchup

Harbaugh has defended the decision, saying McCarthy has the talent and skill set to run the Giants’ offense.

“I’d watched him a lot in college, but now I need to watch tape, and then I’m watching the tape, and you see good, and you see the not good and all that. But I saw a lot of talent, and I saw a guy that I thought could do the things that we want to do on offense for sure. But I got to give our scouts in the building a lot of credit. They were excited about that opportunity,” he said in a press conference via the SNY Giants’ X.

Harbaugh noted that players had seen McCarthy in practice and were excited about what he could bring to the team.

McCarthy, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing his arrival in New York as a natural fit.

“Honored to be a quarterback for the New York Football Giants. To be able to get an opportunity to go against a great Houston Texans team, and thrilled to get out there tomorrow, really get in the film room and just evaluate today’s practice to get better and go from there,” McCarthy said.

He will now have to translate that preparation into results against Houston. With the Giants looking to maintain their position in the NFC East, the decision will face immediate scrutiny.

If McCarthy delivers, Harbaugh’s gamble could pay off. But if the offense struggles, criticism of the move is likely to grow louder.