New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll had a package of plays in the Week 1 game plan for Jaxson Dart that never materialized against the Washington Commanders, and new reporting suggests it might be a while before the first-round rookie quarterback sees the field.
In a season where Daboll’s job security is inextricably tied to Dart showing promise and the Giants making marked improvements on a dismal 3-14 campaign in 2024, New York isn’t in any rush to replace starting quarterback Russell Wilson, according to ESPN.
There is “no sense of urgency” in the New York Giants organization to bench Russell Wilson and start rookie Jaxson Dart, sources told ESPN,” NFL insider Adam Schefter writes. It doesn’t mean a change can’t come soon at the quarterback position, but the Giants would prefer that it not happen anytime soon, according to sources. New York would prefer to continue to be patient, let Wilson play well and give Dart the time he needs to develop, sources said.”
While it sounds unlikely that the Giants will play Dart against the Dallas Cowboys, in Week 2, there is always the chance that the rookie sees the field; either in the aforementioned package of plays or if the game gets out of hand late in the fourth quarter.
Given the stakes for Daboll, as well as general manager Joe Schoen, it is surprising that the Giants aren’t already thinking about making a quarterback change, especially after Wilson managed just 168 passing yards and a team-high 44 rushing yards in the regular-season opener.
Perhaps, All-Pro left tackle Andrew Thomas being sidelined is influencing Daboll’s Wilson patience and reluctance to insert Dart into the game, but, if New York doesn’t turn things around on offense quickly the already mounting pressure could soon reach a crescendo for the embattled head coach.
Giants’ Jaxson Dart brimming with confidence
Ishika Samant | GettyThe Giants continue to take a cautious and patient approach to playing rookie QB Jaxson Dart.
Whenever Dart sees live action, the former Ole Miss standout says he’s ready to lead the offense at a high level.
“I’m confident in myself,” Dart told reporters. “So whatever opportunity happens, or whatever may happen, I’m preparing for that opportunity. I feel like I’m going to go out there and succeed anytime I’m on the field. So that’s just kind of the approach that I have.”
During the preseason, Dart showed that he is capable of executing the Giants‘ offense by passing for 372 yards with three touchdowns while completing 68 percent of his passes.
Given that New York’s next two games are against the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers before heading to New Orleans to take on the Saints in Week 5, it might not be until the calendar flips to October before the rookie gets his chance.
Similarly, it might be a three game audition for Wilson to keep his starting job, especially if the losses continue to mount for New York over the next three weeks.
Giants taking surprising stance on Jaxson Dart’s future