Despite his Monday night performance, Russell Wilson will remain the New York Giants’ starting quarterback for at least one more week. In doing so, they’ve painted themselves into a corner after his abysmal performance in the season opening game. Signed this offseason with the expectation of leading the team, Wilson struggled significantly during the game against the Dallas Cowboys, prompting discussions about his immediate future.
In the Giants’ season opener, Wilson faltered, and he connected on only 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards. He finished the game without a single touchdown or interception. He completely fell apart when the pressure was on. Of twelve attempts, he completed only two of them, with a total of 26 yards with two sacks and a total of two scrambles. In tandem, the Giants’ offensive execution ultimately cratered. They produced just 231 yards and missed scoring opportunities twice in the red zone on eight/nine drives.
Head coach Brian Daboll has made it very clear that he will not be benching Wilson, so he remains confident in the quarterback’s talents. “I have confidence in Russ, and we’re doing everything we can do every week to develop Jaxson,” Daboll stated, referring to the team’s backup quarterback, Jaxson Dart. Dart had an eye-opening summer and preseason, going 32 for 47 for 372 yards and three touchdowns while throwing no interceptions. For the time being, he’ll be on the sidelines.
The Giants picked Dart with the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft. He filled in as Wilson’s backup in the season opener. His performance in preseason games showed what he was capable of—including a touchdown run that removed all doubt about his dual-threat capability. Despite Dart’s strong showing, Daboll’s commitment to developing him suggests that the organization still sees potential in Wilson as the starter.
Daboll’s decision may reflect a long-term strategy rather than a reaction to Wilson’s recent performance. And that’s what we’re going to keep doing,” he said as the team’s long-term strategy took center stage during the offseason.
Wilson himself is still committed to staying productive and mastering his universe, despite everything. Take it from me, someone who never sleeps with that kind of winning record at stake. We just truly left it all on the field on Sunday,” he said. He stressed the resolve of his team to overcome the wretched start they had recorded.
The Giants have turned their attention and preparation for a Week 1 rematch against the Dallas Cowboys. With everyone’s eyes on him, Wilson will need to show that he hasn’t lost his touch and get a must-have win for the team. The situation will provide insight into how Daboll manages both Wilson’s development and Dart’s potential emergence as a future starting quarterback.
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