There is an inherent danger of labeling anyone as a “back” based on one game. We all know this. Also, the fact that JJ McCarthy marched the Giants’ offense into Houston and dismantled the defense can’t be ignored without making it seem particularly difficult.
It wasn’t always pretty from McCarthy, especially late in the game – but that didn’t matter. When the dust settled, he still finished 20-for-28 and 272 yards. Touchdowns eluded McCarthy, but crucially so did interceptions. That’s what he did. Exactly What John Harbaugh’s quarterback needs to do: Manage what he can, don’t overextend, and let the defense and running game dominate the game and get them over the line.
No doubt McCarthy still has things to work on. His short pass through midfield was good, but he still wasn’t comfortable throwing deep into the middle and hooking the ball to the safety. The Giants’ QB attempted four passes in the middle of the third quarter, only one of which was completed for 10+ yards. This is his talent. interests Developing into a complete quarterback, because making comfortable outside throws with leverage is just about playing the position in the NFL. The Texans used a strategy that would shake up the middle of the field, but there were still opportunities left on the table. Midfield plays are where teams often generate explosiveness through the YAC, and ignoring that will cripple the Giants’ offensive capabilities.
However, the team won. It was a big win, winning a signature — and helping New York look east as a team.
It might be easy for Vikings fans to wave and say this result is unusual — but maybe they shouldn’t be so quick to discount what McCarthy did after the trade. This marks the second week the third-year QB has appeared. Through two games he is now 31-for-49 (63.2%), 515 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT – for a passer rating of 96.9. We may be looking at the next QB, dubbed the bust, who found a new home and prospered as a result. Moreover, he is currently doing what the Vikings cannot, which is to use his main receiver. Malik Nabers had 7 receptions for 111 yards with McCarthy at QB, while Justin Jefferson continued to struggle for production, managing just 4 for 44 yards against the Colts.
This element is critical because it is one of the biggest selling points for switching to Kyler Murray at QB. Jefferson wanted a quarterback who could make big plays, but he failed to eclipse 100 receiving yards in any game this season. That means it’s time to address the real elephant in the room, and it’s the time when this season could be the toughest for the Vikings on the back end: Kevin O’Connell’s future.
There’s no denying firing a head coach when a team is 6-0, but no one thinks O’Connell is the vector of success in Minnesota. This season is the Brian Flores show, as he continues to display his absolute defensive prowess to create not only the best unit in the NFL, but the top defenses of the last 20 years. The Vikings may be able to keep Flores in a coaching role for the next two years, but his buzz in 2026 makes it impossible for a team looking for a coach in 2027 to ignore.
Which brings us to the following scenario: The Vikings are winning because of Brian Flores. There’s a QB in JJ McCarthy, developing for another team, because O’Connell, aspiring as a “QB whisperer,” couldn’t develop him. Minnesota’s worst part right now has to be O’Connell’s forte, their offense — and they have a defensive coordinator who could easily leave at the end of the season unless the team is willing to part ways with a coach with a great record on paper.
Minnesota is undoubtedly one to watch this season because of their defense, but fans should pay attention to what happens against the Warriors – because it could determine their future.
Now the winners and losers of week 7
The Panthers gave their worst performance of the weekend at a crucial time of the season. Sunday was their chance to truly assert themselves as the NFC South in the playoffs. must be. They managed to win against the Buccaneers – but instead were completely embarrassed.
In a wonderful irony, the Panthers were upset by the run game. After running 30+ times in the first half for the first time since 1980, the Panthers could use Quickline to figure out that there was no way to stop them. Bosses rained on the field, as it were, with every phase of the game failing to complete the most entertaining of the weekend.
Bryce Young didn’t look good against the Tampa Blitz, and when he did, there was no chance to throw because a porous offensive line kept pressure from all directions. The Panthers’ running game isn’t working because of bad blocking, the receivers aren’t fighting for the balls they need — and everything seems anemic.
With Bucky Irving, Kenny Gaineswell and Sean Tucker combining for 246 rushing yards, the defense was in disarray as they averaged 5.5 yards per carry. At that point, it didn’t matter that Baker Mayfield only threw the ball 11 times because he basically had an afternoon off.
Oh, for good measure Carolina was good on special teams, had an extra point blocked for a score and allowed a big punt return all afternoon. It was just a disaster.
The Panthers feel like a team allergic to success. They make it look difficult, then skip the games that should be easy. Head coach Daves Canales is so sensitive to “we’ll see them next time” and “we’ll see the film” that there isn’t enough focus or accountability when things go wrong. There needs to be some real fire at times to make this team stronger and string together some wins.
Winner: Ohio State
The Bengals are quietly having a strong campaign in the brutal AFC North, and beating the Ravens (who still don’t have Lamar Jackson) would be an important step to get a foothold in the standings. They are now just 0.5 games behind the Browns and Steelers, giving them a real chance. Joe Burrow has been hosting all afternoon, and everything is ticking for the Bengals forward. The defense is better than it has been in recent years, but it’s still a concern as this team tries to be competitive.
Then there are the Browns, who are 5-2. Beating the Titans isn’t a feat worthy of much praise, but you can only play the schedule up front, and Cleveland is doing just that. I don’t pretend that I really understand. how The Browns are 5-2, but they are. The fans deserve it, so he should enjoy what it feels like to be a top team.
The Texans have put themselves in an ever-increasing position to see how this team can make the playoffs. Thanks to the hole they dug themselves into at the start of the season, every game is must-win, and they continue to play flat and uninspired football – especially in defense, which should have been their strength this season.
In the year We watched in 2026, only to see a Texas offense finally find its footing and the defense go to hell. While Houston has often struggled against the pass this year, they’ve been pretty good at stopping the run — until Sunday. In crucial moments, they allowed huge gang runs to Cam Skatebo, including in overtime, which set up the game-winning touchdown.
Nothing works for this team, and 2026 is starting to feel like a write-off. Catching the Jaguars will be tough, but given the strength of the AFC North this season, competing for the wild card will be nearly impossible.
Winner: Bo Knicks and Broncos
Look, I still don’t think Bo Nix is a very good quarterback – but he did a lot to silence his critics in a big game against the Cardinals. Using his legs is the key to unlocking Denver’s offense, and this team needs to support him moving forward.
The Broncos also got a big boost from the Seahawks dominating the Chiefs Sunday night football. This really opens up the AFC West to give Denver a chance to compete in a way that was completely impossible before. The best news for Denver was how offensive Kansas City looked overall, as well as the Seahawks’ blueprint for stopping Patrick Mahomes.
