Emmanuel Acho Says Giants' JJ McCarthy Will 'Stink It Up' vs Texans

Vincent Rapisardi

Oct 23

3 min read

Updated: 13 hours ago

Published Oct 23, 2026, 8:18 AM ET | By Vincent Rapisardi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClkPLyxqUkc

Key points

Emmanuel Acho predicted JJ McCarthy will "stink it up" in his first Giants start Sunday against the Texans.
Acho argued Houston gets a full week to plan for McCarthy, unlike the Saints in Week 6.
The Texans are tied for third in sacks but rank 26th in passing yards allowed.

JJ McCarthy's first start for the Giants already has a loud prediction attached. Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho said McCarthy will struggle Sunday in Houston and lose the job quickly.

Big Blue Film Room shared the quote on X: "JJ McCarthy bouta go out there and STINK IT UP! His starting job will be very quickly taken away."

McCarthy earned the start with a 243-yard fourth quarter in the 34-27 loss to the Saints. Jameis Winston returns to the backup role, as we covered in Giants to Start JJ McCarthy vs Texans.

Emmanuel Acho's Case Against JJ McCarthy

Acho's argument on the "Speakeasy" show is about preparation, according to Pro Football Network.

"When you are playing a backup quarterback, you do not scout the backup quarterback," Acho said. "You start the scout with the starting quarterback."

He called the comeback "absolutely worthy of our applause," then added: "Now, they are going to prepare for J.J. McCarthy."

Acho also pointed to Houston's secondary. "You are not playing the New Orleans Saints," he said. His closing shot was aimed at the head coach: "Anything John Harbaugh gives, John Harbaugh takes away."

By the Numbers: JJ McCarthy vs. the Texans Defense

Measure	Number	Context
McCarthy vs. Saints	11 of 21, 243 yards	1 TD, 1 INT, 11.6 yards per attempt
McCarthy rushing vs. Saints	2 carries, 26 yards	Team-high
Texans sacks	18	Tied for 3rd in NFL
Texans pass defense	246.0 yards per game	26th in NFL
Texans scoring defense	23.8 points per game	20th in NFL

Source: Pro Football Reference and Texans Wire (rankings entering Week 7).

What the Numbers Say About JJ McCarthy's Start

Acho has a point about the setting. McCarthy entered with the Giants down 34-10, against a defense protecting a big lead. His first drive ended with an interception.

The production was still rare. His 243 yards tied the most by a Giant in a single quarter since at least 1991, according to Giants.com.

Houston's defense is uneven. The Texans rank 26th against the pass but third against the run, allowing 83.0 rushing yards per game.

Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke called McCarthy "really athletic" and said he "made a few plays with his legs" against New Orleans, per Texans Wire.

What Comes Next for JJ McCarthy and the Giants

The 3-2-1 Giants visit Houston at 1 p.m. ET Sunday in their final game before the bye. The Texans have won two straight after an 0-4 start.

Harbaugh has not said how long McCarthy's leash will be. We detailed the relief outing in JJ McCarthy Led NFL QBs in Yards Per Attempt in Giants Relief Role.

His mobility also fits the offense built for Jaxson Dart.

Our Take: JJ McCarthy Deserves a Real Runway

I wanted the Giants to trade for McCarthy back in September. When it happened, I called it a home run. Low risk, high reward.

The finish to his 2025 season is why. Over his last four games in Minnesota, he had seven total touchdowns, two interceptions and over 8 yards per attempt. The Vikings won all four.

He was given about five minutes to prove himself in Minnesota. One afternoon in Houston shouldn't decide this.

Acho may be right that Sunday is a tougher test. But McCarthy isn't a rookie the Giants have to ease along. Put him out there and see what he's got.

What I want to see is the run game. More RPO, and more of his athleticism. He's my quarterback.

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