The New York Giants Need Jaxson Dart After Disappointing SNF Performance

It’s crazy how much can change in a week. After Russell Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys, he dropped the ball on Sunday Night.

Wilson completed 18 out of 32 passes for 160 yards and two interceptions. He failed to get Malik Nabers the ball until the fourth quarter and repeatedly threw the ball to nobody down the field. The most egregious moment came late in the game.

In the fourth quarter, New York was inside the red zone and failed to score once again. Wilson threw an incomplete pass out of bounds on first down, followed by a four yard rush on second down. On third and fourth down, he threw the ball out of the endzone, baffling everyone in MetLife.

Down the stretch of this game, the fans in East Rutherford booed and chanted “We want Dart”. Wilson’s efforts appeared lifeless, as if he knew he had lost the fanbase on Sunday night.

It’s Time For Jaxson Dart

While Jaxson Dart being able to sit and learn behind a veteran quarterback would be ideal, that’s not the situation we’re in. Dart is arguably the best QB on the roster, and gives the Giants their best chance to win.

The Giants’ coaching decisions are mind-boggling. Brian Daboll wants to develop Dart, and has sporadically thrown him into games for handoffs or designed QB runs. He hasn’t had an opportunity to throw the ball. 

When the fans are chanting for Dart to hit the field, how can Daboll ignore that? The offensive playcalling was clearly limited due to kicker Graham Gano’s injury. Mike Kafka’s book might have just been handoffs, checkdowns, and errant go routes. 

Dart proved in the preseason that he can complete passes efficiently. Through his limited playing time, he went 32/47 for 372 yards and three passing touchdowns. He can sling the ball, so why does it seem like he’s not allowed to?

As opposed to checkdowns and moonballs, Dart can throw anywhere on the field, and he can make plays with his legs. The Giants finally have the QB they’ve been waiting for, and they’re refusing to play him.

Is It Too Soon For Dart?

The biggest argument against Dart starting is whether or not he’s ready for the gauntlet New York is facing. Over the next five weeks, the Giants will face the Los Angeles Chargers, the New Orleans Saints, the Denver Broncos, and the Philadelphia Eagles (twice).

It would be easy to wait until the New Orleans game, as they’re the weakest team in that stretch, but that doesn’t benefit Dart. Putting him out there against the 3-0 Chargers tempers expectations for his debut. He won’t be expected to beat a 0-3 team like the Saints, but to simply perform well against a playoff contender.

There is no convenient place to start Dart. The entire season is full of difficult matchups, with the Giants likely to land a top-five Draft pick. He’s sat for several weeks; it’s time to give him a shot.

As a rookie, Dart’s leash is much longer than Wilson’s. If he struggles or fails, it can be a learning experience for a young QB. This is much better than a Super Bowl-winning player who’s been a starter for over a decade.

Are There Any Positives?

What might be the only positive of the Giants’ performance was rookie running back Cam Skattebo. The fourth-round pick was a monster every time he held the football. He rushed 10 times for 60 yards and a touchdown, and had six receptions for 61 yards.

Skattebo’s increased role came after Tyrone Tracy Jr. exited the game with a shoulder injury. He took advantage of his opportunity and ran away with it. Skatt Pack is the real deal, and could take over as the starting back by season’s end.

If I had to find another positive, it would be the defense holding Kansas City down for most of the game. The defensive front made Patrick Mahomes uncomfortable for most of the game and held the Chiefs to nine points at halftime.

The biggest blunder defensively is the playcalling from Shane Bowen. Third overall pick Abdul Carter is a dominant edge rusher, yet he’s playing off-ball linebacker. The defense is chock-full of talent that’s not being properly utilized.

End Of My Giants Rant

Through three weeks, the Giants have failed to secure a win despite every game being close going into the fourth quarter. They’re 1-8 at home since the start of the 2024 season, and 3-17 overall in that span. The franchise has hit a new low.

Dart was drafted to save the jobs of Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. His potential under the head coach was the primary argument for keeping the current regime in place.

2025 began with positive energy for New York, promising a new era. Jaxson Dart is the biggest piece of that. He’s ready to take on the challenge, and it’s time the Giants followed through on their promise.