Why starting Jaxson Dart at quarterback is even bigger than it seems for Giants head coach Brian Daboll
The New York Giants are finally handing the keys of the franchise to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The New York Giants are beginning a new era at quarterback. Their 2025 first-round pick, Jaxson Dart, will replace Russell Wilson after a 0-3 skid, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Dart’s first start will come this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers.
The decision to move to Dart by head coach Brian Daboll was one that Giants fans had been desperate to see after the team struggled with offensive inconsistency. This decision appears to be one to buy Daboll time for his job.
Jaxson Dart will start for the Giants
The Giants’ offense sputtered early in 2025, with two games in which the veteran Russell Wilson threw for less than 200 yards. The final straw was the two-interception, no-touchdown performance on “Sunday Night Football” against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Fans were beside themselves after the atrocious performance on a national stage. Chants advocating for the Giants to play Dart roared from the crowd at MetLife Stadium.
It was apparent that there was no path for this team to reach the playoffs. Wilson’s 450 yards against the Dallas Cowboys brought some optimism. However, it was clear that was a product of Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson victimizing an awful secondary.
The only way for Daboll to earn another year, or at least remain as coach for the end of the season, was if Dart became the starter. He was tasked with making something of Daniel Jones when he took the job in 2022. Now, he has an opportunity to prove his offensive prowess with the youngster he drafted to fit his system.
If Dart plays like he did in the preseason, Daboll could potentially stay after 2025. Dart flashed decisiveness and playmaking ability as a passer and runner. While the upcoming schedule is daunting, Dart could finish as a finalist for the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Considering his only other competition at quarterback is Cam Ward, it’s a real possibility.
If this were to come to fruition, ownership would have to think twice about bailing on Daboll, regardless of record. As long as the offense shows signs of progress and Dart shows flashes of brilliance, Daboll will have a strong case. The main driving force would be the fear of separating Dart from his coach and his development being stunted.
In the next five games, the Giants will face the Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, and San Francisco 49ers. That brutal stretch will be tough for any rookie. However, it will serve as a proper barometer for whether he’s the man the franchise should build around.
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