Jaxson Dart time? Brian Daboll declines to confirm Russell Wilson as Week 4 starter
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As the NFL season heats up, all eyes are on East Rutherford, where the New York Giants find themselves at a crossroads. Standing at 0-3, they join five other teams struggling to find their footing. The latest setback came in the 22-9 defeat against Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday evening, marked by two costly interceptions from starting quarterback Russell Wilson.
Now, coach Brian Daboll faces the daunting task of reassessing the quarterback position. In a season opener against the Washington Commanders, Daboll still expressed unwavering confidence in Wilson as QB1 even after the loss.
However, heading into Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers, it seems his tune has changed dramatically. On Monday, when pressed about Wilson’s status as a starter and when the decision would be made, Daboll left everyone in suspense; “We are working through all the personnel decisions… I’m not saying who’s starting or who’s not starting. I’m just saying we’re evaluating everything right now.”
Could this signal an early appearance for rookie Jaxson Dart? The former Ole Miss star was drafted as the first-round pick 25th overall in the 2025 draft. Wilson signed a 1-year contract during the off-season with expectations of being a bridge quarterback, but as speculation swirls, it’s clear that Dart’s time may come sooner than anticipated.
Daboll emphasized that addressing issues with the passing game is crucial following Sunday’s loss, an area where Dart could shine. He has already been integrated into specific schemes over the past two weeks and even saw a limited action with three snaps against the Chiefs. Even fans echo loudly during Sunday’s matchup, chanting “We want Dart!” in response to Wilson’s struggles.
Introducing a rookie quarterback comes with its own set of challenges. While Dart hasn’t thrown a pass in regular season he showcased his potential during the preseason by completing 32 to 47 passes for 3 touchdowns without any interceptions and demonstrated impressive mobility on the ground.
Ultimately, making such a pivotal change is never easy; however, can Daboll and the Giants really afford to wait for things to turn around under Wilson, or will they let Darts throw Darts in the Big Leagues once here and now?
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
