Cardinals vs. Giants preview: Winston’s big bold test at 2-1

Dustin Judge
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart speaks to reporters ahead of the Cardinals vs. Giants preview

The Arizona Cardinals (1-2) visit the New York Giants (2-1), in a game with a quarterback story on each sideline. This Cardinals vs. Giants preview breaks down Jameis Winston’s role, Jacoby Brissett’s hot start and the injuries that could matter most.

Cardinals vs. Giants preview: game information

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Oct. 4, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. CBS will televise the game, according to an Associated Press preview on CBS Sports. The Giants lead the all-time series 81-46-2 and won the last meeting 31-28 on Sept. 17, 2023.

Can Jameis Winston keep the Giants offense moving?

Winston took over after quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury. In his first start, a 12-7 win over Tennessee, he completed 14 of 22 passes for 118 yards with no touchdowns and no turnovers, according to the team’s Week 4 preview. The Giants scored on four field goals in that game, per amNY.

Winston addressed the scrutiny of his game-manager role this week. “If we were having a conversation about me throwing interceptions and throwing for 300 yards, y’all wouldn’t be asking me a question,” he said, per the AP.

The Giants also traded for quarterback J.J. McCarthy this week, sending a 2027 fifth-round pick to Minnesota. Giants coach John Harbaugh said Winston remains the starter. For more, read our report on the J.J. McCarthy trade and the team’s decision to release Odell Beckham Jr.

Is Jacoby Brissett built for a road win?

Brissett, 33, has completed 70.1% of his passes for 652 yards, four touchdowns and one interception through three games, the AP reported. He had 280 yards and two touchdowns in a 36-30 loss to San Francisco last week.

Brissett had kind words for his counterpart. “Somebody like that I always root for — besides this weekend — and have a ton of respect for him,” he said of Winston. That respect aside, the Cardinals vs. Giants preview depends on whether Arizona can protect Brissett and keep the Giants’ pass rush quiet.

Cardinals vs. Giants preview: key matchups

Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 overall pick, ran for 90 yards and caught five passes for 19 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers. He faces a Giants defense that lost linebacker Brian Burns for the season with a knee injury.

New York has just one sack this season, by Abdul Carter. Only winless Miami has fewer, the AP noted. Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux described the plan for Brissett simply: “You’ve got to change the picture on him. You’ve got to get him to hold the ball.”

Injuries and what to watch

The injury report shapes this Cardinals vs. Giants preview. Dart is out for the regular season and Burns is done for the year. Left tackle Andrew Thomas and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. also appeared on the Giants’ injury report, per the team.

First-year Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur will face John Harbaugh a week after his debut against Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers. Arizona has won four straight road games against New York dating to 2009, the AP reported, though the Giants have won four of the last five meetings overall. That history sets the tone for this Cardinals vs. Giants preview.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.