Giants Stick with Wilson Despite Season-Opening Struggles
In the wake of a disappointing 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders in their season opener, the New York Giants have faced immediate questions about their quarterback situation. Despite Russell Wilson’s underwhelming debut performance, head coach Brian Daboll confirmed on Monday that the veteran quarterback will remain the team’s starter heading into their upcoming matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. “Russ will be the starter,” Daboll stated definitively when questioned by reporters at the team’s East Rutherford facility, a more clear position than his non-committal response immediately following Sunday’s defeat.
The decision to stay with Wilson comes despite his struggles in his first regular-season appearance with the Giants. Wilson completed just 17 of 37 pass attempts for 168 yards, posting a completion rate of only 45.9% and failing to lead the offense to a single touchdown. This lackluster offensive showing extended a troubling streak for the Giants, who have now failed to score a touchdown in three consecutive season openers—a dubious distinction not seen since the Detroit Lions of 1940-42. Over these three season-opening games, the Giants have managed to score a combined total of just 12 points, highlighting persistent offensive challenges that have plagued the team.
While Wilson’s performance left much to be desired, Daboll emphasized that the loss shouldn’t be placed solely on the quarterback’s shoulders. “That game doesn’t fall on Russell Wilson. We’ve got to do a better job collectively—coaching, playing,” Daboll explained. Indeed, the offensive struggles were emblematic of team-wide issues, most notably the continued problems with the offensive line. Wilson faced pressure on nearly half of his dropbacks—22 out of 45—making it nearly impossible to establish any rhythm or progress through his reads. This constant pressure forced rushed throws and limited the offense to short, often ineffective gains, preventing any sustained offensive momentum.
The quarterback situation in New York has become particularly intriguing given the team’s draft investment in Jaxson Dart, whom they traded back into the first round to select as their potential quarterback of the future. Dart impressed during preseason action, raising questions about how long Wilson’s tenure as starter might last if the offensive struggles continue. Daboll’s decision to maintain Wilson as the starter suggests the team isn’t ready to throw their rookie into the fire just yet, preferring to rely on the veteran’s experience as they navigate early-season challenges and give him more time to develop behind the scenes.
For Giants fans, quarterback frustrations have become an all-too-familiar story. The team moved on from Daniel Jones midway through last season due to his inconsistent performance, only to watch him deliver an impressive debut with the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday. This timing has only intensified scrutiny on the Giants’ quarterback decisions, particularly as Wilson struggles behind the same problematic offensive line that contributed to Jones’ difficulties in New York. The situation reflects a larger organizational challenge: determining whether quarterback changes will make a difference when fundamental issues like offensive line protection remain unresolved.
The pressure now intensifies on both Wilson and Daboll heading into Week 2’s divisional matchup against the Cowboys, who are also seeking their first win after falling to the Philadelphia Eagles. For Daboll, who reportedly enters the season on the hot seat with owner John Mara expecting improved results, the decision to stick with Wilson represents a bet on veteran leadership over rookie potential. Whether this approach pays dividends could significantly impact both men’s futures with the organization. As the Giants prepare for Dallas, the question becomes not just whether Wilson can improve his performance, but whether the team around him can provide the support necessary for any quarterback to succeed in their system.
