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Chargers Now Bracing for Wildly Different Opponent As Darty Party Kicks Off

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 5:35 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers will be the first team to get a look at the New York Giants’ bold quarterback change. After weeks of speculation and mounting fan frustration, rookie Jaxson Dart will make his first NFL start in Week 4 against the undefeated Chargers. Giants fans are calling it the “Darty Party,” but whether it’s the start of a new era or a desperate gamble remains to be seen.

Russell Wilson Benched After Rough Start

Chargers Now Bracing for Wildly Different Opponent As Darty Party Kicks Off 1 Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?

Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson opened the season leading the NFL in passing yards but was plagued by inconsistency and critical mistakes. In Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs, boos poured down from MetLife Stadium as Wilson threw two interceptions and misfired in the red zone.

“We’re working through all personnel decisions. We’ll do that in the next few days,” head coach Brian Daboll said postgame via SNY. By Monday, he acknowledged the passing game had to improve, saying, “It’s not all on one guy… everybody’s got to be doing exactly the right stuff.”

The decision was finalized Tuesday: Wilson is out, and the first-round pick is in.

A Brutal Debut Against the Chargers Defense

Chargers Now Bracing for Wildly Different Opponent As Darty Party Kicks Off 2 Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Dart enters the spotlight under difficult circumstances. The LA defense has been dominant through three weeks, allowing just 276.7 yards per game while tallying seven sacks and three interceptions. Behind a shaky offensive line that allowed Wilson to be pressured on more than 54% of his dropbacks, the rookie faces a steep climb.

Still, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan noted that Dart has “done nothing but impress since taking the field in the spring,” rapidly climbing the depth chart. That progress now meets its first true test against Derwin James and a relentless Los Angeles pass rush.

Building Chemistry With Nabers

Chargers Now Bracing for Wildly Different Opponent As Darty Party Kicks Off 3 Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

One storyline to watch: Dart’s connection with rookie wideout Malik Nabers. New York fans have already grown impatient with how little Wilson targeted the dynamic playmaker. Expect the G-men to design plays specifically to get Nabers involved early and ease Dart into rhythm.

What’s at Stake

For the Giants, Dart represents hope, risk, and potentially job security for Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen. For the Chargers, the assignment is simple: don’t let a rookie quarterback spoil an undefeated start.

Sunday in Los Angeles will mark the official beginning of the Jaxson Dart era. The only question: will the “Darty Party” be a celebration or a cautionary tale?

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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