NFC East instability opens playoff window

McCarthy starts

New York naming a new quarterback signal-caller follows a recent strong performance off the bench that demanded his promotion to the starting role.

McCarthy's future

Winning the division with a strong late-season push would solidify the rookie's status as the team's long-term leader over an injury-prone predecessor.

Playoff outlook

An unpredictable divisional landscape provides a realistic path for the new starter to lead his team into the post-season bracket.