Harbaugh’s Week 6 focus: Giants’ priorities vs. Saints, from Jameis Winston to ball security

Coach John Harbaugh’s Wednesday presser previewed New York’s matchup with New Orleans, emphasizing how the offense is adjusting around Jameis Winston, why tight end Isaiah Likely’s role has clarified, and what the team is doing to reduce turnovers.

By The Apex Times Newsroom2 min readAI-assisted Apex article

After a Week 5 tie, Giants head coach John Harbaugh met with the media following practice on Wednesday at the team’s Quest Diagnostics Training Center to preview the Week 6 game against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. New York enters the matchup at 3-1-1, while the Saints are 1-4.

Harbaugh said New Orleans is expected to bring energy and urgency, framing the Saints as “very hungry” after three straight losses following their only win of the season.

On offense, Harbaugh discussed how tight end Isaiah Likely’s NFL identity has become clearer over time. He described Likely as elusive with a strong catch radius, and also highlighted that Likely’s perimeter blocking from college helped translate into a role he can execute consistently now.

The coach also addressed Winston’s transition into an offense that Harbaugh characterized as being built around someone else. Harbaugh called the early fit “awkward,” but said Winston has continued to keep his confidence and found ways to win, with the staff now able to adapt the game plan and get more reps designed for Winston.

Harbaugh said kicker Dominic Zvada has two areas to work from after his first NFL misses: improving technique, including his plant foot, and understanding the underlying “why.” He added that Zvada already knew the issue before the game was over, making it a matter of execution.

On the Giants’ defense and overall ball handling, Harbaugh said it is important not to overlook Kayvon Thibodeaux’s impact on plays, pointing to a late example in which Thibodeaux affected what Daniels could do. He also emphasized that fumbles are a major point of emphasis, describing the league as more of a “punch-out” environment than ever before.

Harbaugh said the Giants’ two starting offensive tackles were limited in practice Wednesday, with Jermaine Eluemunor (calf) and Andrew Thomas (groin) not practicing. He pointed to Marcus Mbow and rookie J.C. Davis as the next men up, while adding that both have been working diligently and are ready if called upon.

Special teams also came up. Harbaugh said tight end Theo Johnson has been adamant about contributing, citing his kickoff work as an example of his aggressiveness. He also mentioned using a J.J. McCarthy package as a change of pace, saying the Giants are always looking for ways to use everyone they have on the roster.

Why It Matters

The presser framed the Giants’ week around execution details, especially reducing fumbles, which can swing outcomes in close games.
With Winston’s fit a continuing point of development, the staff’s “more Winston” approach could shape how the offense calls plays early in the game.
If Eluemunor and Thomas are not available beyond Wednesday limitations, depth at tackle becomes central, with Mbow and J.C. Davis in the spotlight.
Harbaugh’s comments on Likely and Thibodeaux suggest New York is counting on two specific playmakers to stabilize both sides of the ball.
The game plan notes, including a McCarthy package and a Johnson special teams emphasis, indicate New York is trying to create multiple avenues to score and win field-position battles.

Sources

Key Facts

Giants head coach John Harbaugh previewed the Week 6 matchup with the Saints after practice on Wednesday at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
New York is 3-1-1 and will host New Orleans, which is 1-4, at MetLife Stadium.
Harbaugh described Isaiah Likely’s role as increasingly clear, crediting his elusiveness, catch radius, and perimeter-blocking background.
Harbaugh said the offense’s game plan has been adjusted to get more reps that fit Jameis Winston, whose transition he previously called awkward.
Harbaugh said Jermaine Eluemunor (calf) and Andrew Thomas (groin) did not practice Wednesday, with Marcus Mbow and rookie J.C. Davis next at tackle.
Harbaugh emphasized ball security as a major point of emphasis and said the Giants are treating fumbles as a priority in a more “punch-out” league.
Harbaugh cited special teams impact from Theo Johnson on kickoffs and said the Giants plan to incorporate a J.J. McCarthy package for variety.