J.J. McCarthy stepped in for the New York Giants’ offense with just over 11 minutes remaining and the team trailing the New Orleans Saints, 34-10, then produced one of the more remarkable relief outings in recent franchise history.

The 23-year-old completed 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards with a touchdown and an interception while adding 26 rushing yards, helping New York score 17 unanswered points before a final incomplete pass ended the comeback bid in a 34-27 loss.

His 243 yards tied Eli Manning’s Giants record for most passing yards in a single fourth quarter, a mark Manning set against the Buccaneers in 2012. They also ranked as the most fourth-quarter passing yards by any player this season and the second-most by a non-starting quarterback over the past 25 seasons, trailing only Sage Rosenfels’ 249 yards for the Texans in 2007.

In addition, the total stood as the highest by a Giants backup since Y.A. Tittle threw for 315 yards against the Redskins in 1961.

McCarthy, acquired from Minnesota in late September, made his first significant appearance for New York after limited snaps the previous week. He engineered three scoring drives after an early interception, connecting on long gains that included a 49-yard completion and a 24-yard touchdown to Isaiah Likely. A 28-yard scramble on the final possession further highlighted his mobility as the Giants reached the Saints’ 14-yard line with under a minute to play.

After the game, McCarthy made clear that personal milestones offered little consolation.

“I’m not pleased when you lose,” he told reporters. “At the end of the day, no matter what happens, we try to get that 1-0 win each and every week, and I’ve got to look back at the tape and find ways to get better. I was just really proud of the guys around me, just responding and always keeping that belief that we can go win this thing.”

He credited the preparation he received since arriving with the team. Even while serving as a backup, McCarthy approached each week as if he might play the full game.

“I think just the over-preparation,” he explained, “just making sure that each and every week… I went into the game with the mindset that I could play the whole game. So, just being able to really put myself in that position Monday through Saturday is something that helped me out today.”

That approach translated into an immediate impact once he entered. McCarthy noted consistent protection from the offensive line, reliable catches from the receivers, and timely contributions from the running backs.

While the result did not change, the performance provided a tangible data point as the Giants continue sorting their quarterback situation with a trip to Houston ahead.