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Stephen A. Smith Calls Giants a Horrible Organization After Jaxson Dart Decision
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The New York Giants, still searching for an answer after an 0–3 start to the NFL season, announced Tuesday that rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart will take over as the team’s starting quarterback.

"It's my decision," head coach Brian Daboll told reporters after. "We're going with Jaxson. We're going to get him ready to play this week and the remainder of the season. He's going to do everything he can. Russ will be the backup."

Dart's first test? The undefeated Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith didn't hold back when speaking about the Giants' decision to elevate Dart on Thursday's episode of "First Take."

"First of all, this is their fifth different starting quarterback since last season. Let's get that out of the way just to show you what kind of chaos exists with the New York Giants," Smith said. "Secondly, since the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2011, they've been in the playoffs twice. They've had a winning record three times. That is horrible. This is a horrible, horrible organization right now."

"So now here we are with Jaxson Dart, right? It's not his job to save Brian Daboll's job," Smith added. "But from an organizational perspective, you haven't given the crowd anything to cheer about... I know New York. They're going to start wearing bags over their head."

"People have other things to do rather than walk out and see trash," Smith said. "They're not going to do it. That's what he (Dart) has to make sure he doesn't provide."

New York’s offense has produced just 52 points through three games (about 17.3 points per game, 6th-worst in the NFL ), including two performances where the team scored in single digits: Week 1 against the Washington Commanders (L 21-6) and Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs (L 22-9).

Through those first three games, Wilson had completed just 65-of-110 passes (59.1%) for 778 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions, posting the 3rd-worst QBR in the league (34.0).

Now enters Dart, the Giants' 22-year-old QB from Ole Miss, who was taken 25th overall in the 2025 NFL draft.

Dart finished the preseason 32-of-47 for 372 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions and was a consistent performer in camp, giving Daboll and his staff a reason to accelerate his timeline.

Unfortunately, his first matchup won't be very forgiving.

The Chargers enter with a 3-0 record and have the 4th-best scoring defense in the NFL, allowing just 16.7 points and a mere 182.0 passing yards per game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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