J.J. McCarthy’s Giants debut offered a glimpse: What’s next?

Lost amid the chaos of the Giants ' 27-27 tie Sunday in Washington was quarterback J.J. McCarthy's debut with coach John Harbaugh's team.

McCarthy got five snaps in what amounted to an option-based package as offensive coordinator Matt Nagy tried to take advantage of his mobility.

But McCarthy wasn't exactly a difference maker as Jameis Winston fueled the Giants' remarkable 14-point fourth-quarter comeback with two 17-yard touchdown passes. Winston wound up with three touchdowns, no interceptions, a 96.7 passer rating and a firm hold on the Giants' starting job.

So much for Harbaugh giving Winston a quick hook after trading for McCarthy, who flamed out in Minnesota but still (maybe?) has plenty of potential.

Still, don't be surprised if Harbaugh gives McCarthy another shot Sunday in a similar package to what Nagy used in Washington. After all, Harbaugh said he liked the look of the plan Nagy and Co. had for McCarthy.

"I do, and I think we'll grow," Harbaugh said. "We just have to see. It just all depends. We're in a situation now where it's by any means necessary. So we're all on board for whoever, however. Sometimes, it's going to work. Sometimes, it's not. We had a chance in a couple of those to make big plays."

Winston looked awful as Jaxson Dart's replacement in Week 2 at the Rams. He didn't perform much better the next week during a rainy win over the Titans. And while he tossed two picks in a Week 4 victory against Arizona, he did have three touchdowns. Then came his best Giants game yet, in Washington.

Ultimately, the Dart-less Giants are 3-1-1 — with no losses in Winston's three starts — and remain in sole possession of first place in the NFC East entering Sunday's home game against the 1-4 Saints, who are reeling. Plus, New Orleans ranks 27th in Pro Football Focus' defensive ratings.

It seems unlikely Winston would play poorly enough against the Saints for Harbaugh to even consider inserting McCarthy as the starter for the Week 7 trip to the Texans, who are currently 1-4 in spite of their strong defense (fourth in PFF's ratings).

Harbaugh mentioned McCarthy's 14-yard pass to Malik Nabers early in the third quarter, which came on second-and-10 from Washington's 45-yard line. An illegal shift penalty on the Giants wiped out the play.

"Got to clean some of that stuff up," Harbaugh said.

On the Giants' first drive, McCarthy debuted by throwing a short pass to Darnell Mooney that lost five yards. The play was erased by a penalty against Washington. McCarthy immediately exited the game.

McCarthy next appeared on the Giants' first second-half drive, with the 14-yard pass to Nabers that a flag ruined. McCarthy returned to the field two snaps later, on third-and-2. He ran an option keeper for no gain. The Giants settled for a 56-yard field goal. They had a chance for more, if not for that illegal shift flag.

Later in the third quarter, McCarthy got his fourth snap of the day. It was another option keeper, this time on second-and-10. But he gained just two yards. Yet again, he immediately headed back to the sideline after a one-play stint.

McCarthy returned for his fifth and final snap later in that drive, with 2:48 left in the third quarter. He ran one more option play. This time, McCarthy handed off to Tyrone Tracy for a 1-yard gain on second-and-5 from Washington's 6. Winston's first touchdown pass capped the drive and cut Washington's lead to 19-13.

As it turned out, that drive was just the spark the Giants' offense needed. Winston threw touchdown passes on his final three drives of regulation, starting with that possession.

McCarthy remained on the sideline for the rest of the game.

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