The 0-3 Giants were going nowhere with Wilson, who has completed a below-average 59.1 percent of his passes and thrown the same number of touchdowns and interceptions (three). Still, should the Giants be turning to Dart this early?
New York Giants are throwing Jaxson Dart into a tough spot
Sunday’s matchup against the 3-0 Chargers will be challenging for Dart. L.A. has surrendered the league’s fourth-fewest points (16.7) and ninth-fewest passing yards (182 YPG).
After a winnable Week 5 road game against the New Orleans Saints (0-3), the 22-year-old will face two more stingy defenses. In Week 6, the Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles (3-0), who rank 11th in the league in passing yards allowed (185.7). After that, they travel to the Denver Broncos (1-2), who feature cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year.
Daboll clearly believes Dart (pick No. 25 of the 2025 NFL Draft) is ready for the brutal stretch. The coach has complimented the QB for a strong preseason, during which he completed 32-of-47 passes for 372 yards and three TDs. Preseason stats, though, should be taken with a grain of salt. And it’s a lot to ask a rookie to deliver when a team is sinking, especially one that didn’t play in a pro-style offense at Ole Miss.
“The Rebels typically don’t run passing concepts that ask the quarterback to read through the full field, instead focusing on one side of the field,” wrote Pro Football Focus’ Nick Akridge in his predraft scouting report. “That showed when Dart was forced off his initial read — and it’s something he’ll have to improve drastically in the NFL.”
If Dart struggles, that could damage his confidence and development. Daboll — who’s 3-17 in his last 20 games — needs the gamble to pay off, or he will receive more heat for starting the QB at the wrong time.