The New York Giants are going to stick with veteran Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback despite one of the worst performances of his career in the season opener on Sunday. Giants head coach Brian Daboll made his decision clear Monday after being non-committal following the Giants’ loss to Washington.
Why is there already a quarterback controversy?
It was an ugly debut in the Big Apple for the 35-year-old Wilson. The Giants’ offense failed to score a touchdown and managed just 231 yards in a 21-6 loss. The former Super Bowl winner, on his fourth team in five seasons, went 17 of 37 for 168 yards and a 59.3 passer rating.
The 46% completion mark is the worst in Wilson’s 53-career games with at least 35 pass attempts, according to NFL Research. Daboll, however, looked at the tape overnight and said Wilson made some good decisions.
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“After the game, it’s an emotional game, tough game,” Daboll said. “Didn’t play particularly well, I would say collectively, but in terms of making any of those decisions – really at any position or schematic changes – I’d like to do it with a clear head and watch the tape. Again, like I said yesterday, that game doesn’t fall on Russell Wilson. We got to do a better job collectively, coaching, playing, but Russ will be the starter.”
Why was Wilson the week one starter?
A 10-time Pro Bowler, Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal in late March to become the starter. He was especially ineffective under pressure on Sunday, completing just 2 of 12 passes for 26 yards with two sacks and two scrambles. New York stalled twice in the red zone. Wilson believes that’s where the major failures occurred.
“When the ball is on the one or two-yard line, we have to score,” Wilson said. “They stopped us. They played well. We got back down there again, they stopped us again. I mean, that changes the complexion of the game, tremendously.”
Who is next on the depth chart?
The week one loss comes on the heels of a season where the Giants finished in last place in the NFC East with a 3-14 record. The team traded back into the first round of April’s draft to get their quarterback of the future. Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart is waiting in the wings.
Dart had a great preseason, completing 32 of 47 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. He also ran for a touchdown. Coach Daboll isn’t ready to throw him into the fire.
“I have confidence in Russ, and we’re doing everything we can do every week to develop Jaxson,” Daboll said. “[Dart] spends a lot of time in the building, a lot of time after practice going through things he has to go through to be called upon and be ready to go.”
Is Wilson feeling the pressure?
The Giants did have a special package ready for Dart to use in Sunday’s game, but he did not play. The team also signed veteran Jameis Winston in the offseason. He was the emergency third-string quarterback on Sunday.
Wilson said he feels no added pressure with Dart as the backup, but the fan base and media in New York are relentless. They’ll keep asking about a potential change as long as the Giants’ offense struggles.
Another NFC East opponent awaits Sunday. The Dallas Cowboys will host New York with both teams desperate to avoid a 0-2 start.
