Russell Wilson Under Fire: Giants May Turn to Rookie Jaxson Dart

East Rutherford, NJ — September 9, 2025

The New York Giants are facing quarterback turmoil just one week into the new season. Veteran signal-caller Russell Wilson, signed in the offseason to stabilize the offense, turned in a rocky debut in Sunday’s 21–6 loss. Completing only 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards, Wilson failed to find the end zone and looked out of rhythm throughout the contest.

Now, with the team under pressure to rebound quickly, questions are swirling about whether rookie Jaxson Dart could be in line for playing time sooner than expected.

Wilson’s Struggles in the Spotlight

From the opening drive, Wilson struggled to generate momentum. The offense sputtered in key third-down situations, and the Giants’ inability to stretch the field allowed the defense to stack the box against the run.

For a quarterback once lauded for his deep-ball accuracy and improvisation, Wilson appeared hesitant, often settling for short throws that went nowhere. Fans at MetLife Stadium voiced their frustration as drives stalled repeatedly.

“It wasn’t good enough, and I know it,” Wilson admitted postgame. “I take accountability, and I have to play better. It starts with me.”

Daboll Voices Support — But How Long?

Head coach Brian Daboll struck a measured tone after the loss, expressing confidence in Wilson while acknowledging the urgency of the situation.

“Russ is our quarterback,” Daboll told reporters. “We believe in him. We just didn’t execute well enough across the board today.”

Behind the scenes, however, sources suggest the team has already begun evaluating whether rookie Jaxson Dart, their intriguing young prospect, could spark the offense if struggles persist. Dart impressed in training camp with his arm talent and mobility, though coaches have been cautious about rushing him into action.

Sideline Tensions Boil Over

Adding to the drama, cameras captured a heated sideline exchange between Daboll and rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers during the second half. The animated confrontation immediately went viral on social media, fueling speculation about discontent within the locker room.

Both Daboll and Nabers downplayed the moment afterward.

“It was nothing,” Nabers said. “Just competitive intensity. We all want to win.”

Still, the optics of a struggling offense paired with sideline friction only heightened concerns about the Giants’ direction.

The Jaxson Dart Factor

Dart, the Giants’ rookie quarterback, now finds himself in an unexpected spotlight. Known for his athleticism and fearless playstyle, the 21-year-old has quickly become a fan favorite. While the coaching staff continues to stress patience, chants for Dart could grow louder if Wilson’s struggles continue.

ESPN analyst Louis Riddick noted:

“The Giants brought in Russell Wilson to stabilize things, but they can’t ignore the momentum around Jaxson Dart. If Wilson doesn’t improve quickly, Daboll may have no choice but to make a change.”

What’s Next for the Giants

The Giants head into Week 2 desperately needing a rebound. With a tough NFC East schedule ahead, early-season struggles could quickly snowball into a lost year. For Wilson, the next game may already feel like a must-win to preserve his role as starter.

The decision facing Daboll is not just about quarterback play—it’s about balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term development. Handing the reins to Dart would electrify the fan base but could also expose the rookie to growing pains against NFL-caliber defenses.

Russell Wilson’s Giants debut left much to be desired, and while Daboll insists he remains the starter, the shadow of Jaxson Dart looms large. With tensions on the sideline and fans restless, the Giants enter Week 2 at a crossroads: stick with the veteran, or take a bold leap into the future.