J.J. McCarthy’s Breakout? Should Colts Bench Daniel Jones?

J.J. McCarthy’s promising first start for the Giants featured several impressive deep throws, but one game isn’t enough to declare a breakout: consistency and accuracy on easier passes remain questions. Meanwhile, Daniel Jones’ sharp decline has the Colts’ season—and his health—at a crossroads. Across the league, defenses are increasingly using double A-gap fronts to disrupt quarterbacks’ reads and protections.

• McCarthy completed 8 of 13 throws that traveled more than 10 air yards and targeted outside the numbers; he also had the lowest dropback success rate among Week 7 starters.
• Jones has thrown 7 interceptions and 4 touchdowns this season, with a 40.3 QBR that ranks 31st.
• On throws on the move, Jones is averaging 1.3 yards per attempt this season, down from 7.7 in 2025; his completion rate fell from 73% to 25%, and his success rate from 50% to 13%.
• Double A-gap looks faced 684 dropbacks in 2025 and are on pace for 928 in 2026. Quarterbacks are averaging -0.24 expected points added per play against them.
• Chicago’s Caleb Williams completed a 29.6-yard pass in 1.1 seconds on a key third-and-11.

McCarthy’s high-difficulty throws show real arm talent, but they’re low-percentage plays, and his tendency to throw every pass at maximum force can undermine his accuracy and touch. The Colts’ backups, Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard, may not play better than Jones; however, the author argues that sitting Jones could protect his health and limit the risk of carrying poor habits into next season.

• Giants fans have reason for optimism about McCarthy, but his performance needs to hold up over a larger sample and when deep throws aren’t available.
• Colts coach Shane Steichen says he isn’t considering benching Jones, despite the quarterback’s struggles and apparent limitations after an Achilles injury.
• Defenses are leaning more on double A-gap fronts, which force offenses to adjust protection and can pressure quarterbacks even when a blitz doesn’t come.
• Quarterbacks who read defenses and adjust protections quickly—including Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love—have been better equipped to handle the looks.

McCarthy’s next challenge is showing that his perimeter passing can be reliable, while also improving his efficiency underneath and over the middle. The Colts must decide whether to keep relying on Jones or give their young backups a chance. Defensive coordinators are likely to keep using double A-gap looks, testing whether quarterbacks can identify pressure, adjust protections and stay composed.

Big throws can create hope, but sustainable quarterback play depends on more than highlight passes. McCarthy still has to prove his consistency; Jones’ health and effectiveness demand a hard look; and defenses are exploiting every hesitation in a quarterback’s process.