Giants' John Harbaugh Defends Late Run Calls, Backs J.J. McCarthy After 24-21 Loss

New York Giants coach John Harbaugh defended his team's cautious late-game play-calling after a 24-21 loss to the Washington Commanders.

Harbaugh said the calls did not signal doubt in quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who threw for 293 yards.

"No, no, no," Harbaugh said. "It's a very fair question. I think he's proven that he's capable of winning games and making the plays, and I probably feel more strongly about that now than ever."

McCarthy has thrown for 915 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions this season.

The Giants twice held a four-point lead in the fourth quarter after their defense made interceptions. Each time, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy kept the ball on the ground, and the Giants punted after both series.

Facing third-and-1 at the 11, the Giants sent in Jameis Winston for McCarthy to try a sneak. Cam Skattebo had gained 9 yards on his two previous carries, but the sneak gained only inches.

McCarthy lost 2 yards on a third-and-3 quarterback sweep on the following possession.

The Giants are now 5-3-1. They are still first in the NFC East.

"We thought we could get it with the runs," Harbaugh said. "Also keep the clock running and make them burn the timeouts. We thought we could do both. But, looking back on it, I think a good pass there might've been good too."

In Week 1, Nagy had Jaxson Dart throw three times to run out the last 5:21 of a win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Moving forward, the Giants can't take their foot off the gas.

"As an offense, we need to look ourselves in the mirror," tight end Isaiah Likely said after the loss.

Jayden Daniels threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs with 57 seconds left. The score put Washington ahead for good.

The Giants needed 20 yards in 38 seconds to set up a 50-yard field goal attempt. McCarthy threw two deep passes against all-out blitzes, and the second was intercepted.

"Decisions the quarterback makes, that's the one they make in a split second," Harbaugh said. "Those aren't really high-percentage throws necessarily, but they can be back-breakers."

Next up for the Giants is a tough matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 22. It's another home game for Harbaugh and Co.