Giants Fans Rally for Jaxson Dart as Russell Wilson Struggles in Week 3 Loss to Chiefs

New York’s hopeful start to the season hit a rough creak Sunday night as the Giants dropped a 22-9 decision to the Kansas City Chiefs at home, their third consecutive loss to open 2025. The game, broadcast on Sunday Night Football, featured a visible surge of frustration from the sellout crowd as fans chanted for rookie Jaxson Dart during a stagnant stretch in the first half. Dart, who had yet to throw a pass in the NFL, entered for three snaps late in the second quarter but did not attempt a completion. Russell Wilson, who had posted 450 passing yards the week prior, faced the loudest chorus of the night when the offense failed to finish drives and convert in crucial moments.

Following the play that drew the loudest outcry, Wilson tried to push a pass to Malik Nabers in the back corner of the end zone with 49 seconds left in the first half, but the sequence underscored New York’s stalled attack. The volume rose as the Giants marched toward the end zone late, only to stall again in the closing minutes. Wilson later acknowledged the moment without making it a focus, saying the rookie-path discussions among the fans were not a distraction for him personally. He stressed that he would stay focused and keep working through whatever challenges arise.

Giants coach Brian Daboll expressed sympathy for the crowd while standing behind his plan to develop Dart. Daboll noted that Dart has progressed and is continuing to develop, adding that he has confidence in the quarterback’s growth. He also acknowledged the difficulty of the moment for a team that has been unable to capitalize in red-zone opportunities; Daboll said he understood why fans voiced their frustration when the offense did not finish drives.

The game’s final minutes highlighted the Giants’ offensive struggles. After a 10-yard intentional grounding penalty wiped out a first-and-goal at the Chiefs’ 4-yard line with 3:14 remaining, New York called a designed quarterback draw on second down that drew the ire of the crowd. Wilson then threw the ball away on third and fourth down, ending any late chance at postseason-padding points in the home tilt. Dart later reflected that he did not pay attention to the noise surrounding him, including brief cheers when he came onto the field for three plays.

With the schedule set to grow more daunting in the coming weeks, the development timeline for Dart remains fluid. The Giants host the 3-0 Chargers next week, a potential bounce-back opportunity, before traveling to New Orleans for what could be a more winnable matchup. After that, New York faces the high-profile test of the Eagles on Thursday Night Football, followed by a road trip to Denver and another meeting with Philadelphia. Some observers have speculated about a possible start for Dart against the Saints, but the remainder of the slate appears to offer fewer obvious openings for a change at quarterback until the Packers game on Nov. 16, when the schedule lightens somewhat.

For now, Wilson handles the public chatter and remains the starter, while the Giants balance a demanding schedule with a long-term plan for Dart’s integration. The team emphasized that progress in Dart’s development is ongoing, and that fans’ vocal reactions, while loud, are part of the dynamic of a team searching for clarity at the quarterback position. As New York looks ahead, the immediate focus stays on improving efficiency, finishing drives, and leveraging any opportunity to unlock a more consistent offensive identity.