When will Jaxson Dart take over? – Projecting when the Giants’ future franchise QB will start over Russell Wilson
New York Giants fans are chomping at the bit to see Jaxson Dart play again after his captivating three-game preseason performance. With so much anticipation building, fans are wondering when the coaching staff will hand the reins over from Russell Wilson to Dart. Let’s dig into the three most likely games that will set up […]
New York Giants fans are chomping at the bit to see Jaxson Dart play again after his captivating three-game preseason performance.
With so much anticipation building, fans are wondering when the coaching staff will hand the reins over from Russell Wilson to Dart. Let’s dig into the three most likely games that will set up Dart and the Giants for long-term success.
Week 5 at the New Orleans Saints
The earliest realistic first game for Dart would be Week 5 against the Saints. Numerous reasons make this the perfect timing for him to hit the field.
The simplest reason is how bad the Saints are expected to be this season. They have one of the weakest rosters in the NFL and will likely be vying for the first overall pick. Additionally, their defense is less than formidable, with a weakened secondary that will be easy for Dart to be productive against.
The best opportunity for any rookie will be a game where he can build confidence instead of throwing him to the wolves against a Super Bowl contender.
The other layer for this is that there is a depressing reality that the Giants start the season 0-4 or 1-3. With matchups with three 2024 playoff teams and the Dallas Cowboys, a rocky start with Wilson has a strong liklihood of happening.
I’d find it hard to believe that if the Giants fall that flat to start the year, they wouldn’t strongly consider shifting their focus to the future.
Week 13 at the New England Patriots
After Week 5, the Giants face an absolute gauntlet. They’re expected to play five 2024 playoff teams in a seven-game stretch. The two teams that didn’t make the playoffs last season, the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers, are expected to compete for their divisions.
If the Giants weren’t going to give Dart the nod for the Saints game, they’re likely being deliberate in not rushing him onto the field against a top-tier opponent.
The next beatable opponent comes in Week 13 against the Patriots, that has their own young quarterback that they’re building around. The matchup overall would generate plenty of intrigue as an early glimpse of two faces of the league battling it out on Monday Night Football.
New England has improved since a messy 2024 season, but most of its defensive position groups are in the bottom half of the NFL. Its pass rush and defensive line are weak enough for the Giants to keep Dart upright. Outside of Christian Gonzalez, its secondary lacks threatening talent that would be difficult to throw against.
Week 15 vs the Washington Commanders
The first game after the bye week is always going to be the easiest pick for a rookie to get his first start. Although the Commanders will be a difficult opponent for this matchup, the break gives the Giants time to adjust and effectively prepare for Dart’s first game.
The Giants have a late bye week this season, meaning we could not see Dart until midway through December for this contest. But it’s a logical first game, considering by Week 15 the Giants will know where they stand. The team can play freely and hopefully will rally around Dart to finish the season on a high note.
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