Brian Daboll Has Already Ignited the Russell Wilson-Jaxson Dart Quarterback Controversy

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll entered the 2025 NFL season squarely on the hot seat, and nothing that occurred in Week 1 will change that. The Giants lost to the Washington Commanders, 21-6, in Landover, Maryland. Daboll was hired in 2022 after leading the Buffalo Bills’ high-powered offense, and he was expected to help Daniel Jones develop as a dangerous quarterback. That didn’t work out, and now he has veteran Russell Wilson under center. But after Sunday’s loss, Daboll didn’t exactly quell the rumblings that rookie Jaxson Dart might replace Wilson sooner than later.

"Russ is our quarterback," Daboll said in the post-game press conference. "I think what you do with your backup is you make sure you have enough packages. We'll see where we're at."

Wilson completed 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards; he was also the team’s leading rusher, with eight attempts for 44 yards.

Dart, the first-round pick from Ole Miss, was listed as the No. 2 quarterback Sunday, with veteran Jameis Winston as the emergency QB.

When pressed after the game about Wilson’s status as the starter, Daboll expressed confidence in the veteran but didn’t exactly shut the door on the Dart speculation.

A reporter asked Daboll if Dart might start next week against the Dallas Cowboys. This was the coach’s response:

“We’re gonna get home, we’re gonna look at our game. Collectively we all gotta do better.”

Hmm… not exactly a ringing endoresement for Wilson.

Sunday’s loss gives Daboll a career record of 9-26. The Giants have the toughest schedule in the league, so the rest of the season could be an uphill climb. While Wilson has a Super Bowl victory on his résumé, fans might be more excited to see what Dart can do.

If Daboll does get Dart in the lineup, does working with a rookie quarterback buy him more time? Doubtful.

Regardless of the quarterback situation, the Giants have more to address following Sunday’s loss. The ground game was missing in action and the defense didn’t get enough pressure on Jayden Daniels.

“This game is not on Russell Wilson,” Daboll said. “I want to make that clear.”

Daboll may have made that clear, but the fact that he didn’t make it clear that Russell will be starting next week is the problem.