John Harbaugh says the Giants are honing in on a quarterback decision between J.J. McCarthy and Jameis Winston

The New York Giants have a quarterback decision to make. John Harbaugh is not ready to share it.

One day after J.J. McCarthy nearly pulled off a wild comeback in relief of Jameis Winston against the New Orleans Saints, the Giants coach declined Monday to name a starter for Sunday's game at the Houston Texans.

"We're working through that now," Harbaugh said. "Honing in on a decision."

McCarthy makes his case

McCarthy came to New York in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings late last month. He entered Sunday's game with just under 12 minutes left and threw for 243 yards. That is the second-most passing yards in a fourth quarter by a quarterback who did not start a game in the past 25 years.

He led three scoring drives and had the Giants in the red zone before they came up short in the final seconds of a 34-27 loss.

"The only thing I'm focused on is getting better each and every day," McCarthy said after the game. "At the end of the day, Coach Harbaugh has to make a lot of decisions. Those are his decisions. I trust him wholeheartedly with any decision he makes."

Winston had been unbeaten in three starts for the Giants before Sunday. He threw for 152 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions against the Saints.

What goes into the call

Harbaugh said the choice comes down to what gives the Giants the best chance to move the ball, score points and protect the football. Houston brings a fierce pass rush that ranks third in the NFL with 18 sacks.

The Giants are 3-2-1 and have a bye after the Texans game. Harbaugh agreed the extra week could be a natural time for McCarthy to settle into an offense he is still learning. He also said keeping the starter quiet for now is about gaining a competitive edge.

The run game may be the biggest factor. The Giants' running backs had 14 carries for 34 yards Sunday. McCarthy's mobility would let New York use more of the offense it built for Jaxson Dart before Dart hurt his knee in Week 2. With Winston the Giants have used few zone reads and less movement from the quarterback.

"The elements that we're talking about with some of the read plays and some of the different things you do moving the quarterback around, those are definitely things that are part of the equation," Harbaugh said.

The Giants hold their first team meeting of the week Tuesday and practice Wednesday. A decision is expected before they take the field.