The New York Giants aren’t ready to park the Russ bus, with head coach Brian Daboll confirming Monday that veteran Russell Wilson will remain the starting quarterback in Week 2.
Daboll had been noncommittal Sunday after Wilson struggled in his Giants debut, completing 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards in a season-opening 21-6 loss at NFC East rival Washington. He led the team with 44 rushing yards on eight carries.
“After a game — it’s an emotional game, tough game,” Daboll said Monday. “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 (Sunday), that game doesn’t fall on Russell Wilson. We got to do a better job collectively; coaching, playing. But Russ will be the starter.”
The Giants face another division foe with a trip to face the Dallas Cowboys (also 0-1) in Week 2.
Wilson recovered his own fumble and had an interception negated by a roughing-the-passer penalty on Sunday. The Giants converted only four times on 16 third-down attempts, settled for two field goals and punted six times on nine possessions.
Wilson, 36, is a 10-time Pro Bowl selection who won a Super Bowl with Seattle. He signed an incentive-laden one-year deal for $10.5 million with the Giants in March.
“I’ve got full confidence (in Wilson),” said wide receiver Darius Slayton, who was targeted only one time Sunday. “I think he’s shown himself throughout this whole time that he’s been here in the offseason and throughout training camp that he’s a competent quarterback. He’s plenty equipped to do the job, and we all have full faith in him.”
Rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart is New York’s No. 2 quarterback. In an offense designed to take downfield shots, Dart was decisive in the preseason and averaged 7.9 yards per pass attempt with three touchdown passes. Wilson’s average Sunday was 4.5 yards.
In addition to sticking with Wilson, Daboll told reporters Monday he doesn’t envision any changes on the offensive line this week. Left tackle Andrew Thomas was inactive in Week 1 as he recovers from a 2024 season-ending foot injury, with James Hudson getting the start on Wilson’s blind side.
–Field Level Media
