Giants stick with Russell Wilson as starter after rocky opener

The New York Giants will start veteran quarterback Russell Wilson in their second game of the season at Dallas on Sunday, coach Brian Daboll said Monday, reaffirming the team's plan less than 24 hours after he left open the possibility of turning to rookie Jaxson Dart.

Wilson struggled in the Giants' 21-6 season-opening loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, completing 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards as New York failed to score a touchdown for the third straight season opener. Daboll announced the decision on a video call with reporters and said evaluations of player performances and schematic adjustments will be made after a full review of the tape.

"Yes," Daboll said when asked whether Wilson would start. "After a game, you know, it's an emotional game, it's a tough game. 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 yesterday, that game doesn’t fall on Russell Wilson. We've got to do a better job collectively, coaching, playing, but Russ will be the starter."

Dart, the Giants' first-round pick this year and the player some fans and commentators urged to replace Wilson after the opener, dressed as the backup and will remain in that role while awaiting his NFL debut. Daboll said there were no immediate plans to change the depth chart at quarterback.

The Giants twice reached the Washington 5-yard line in the loss, settling for a field goal on the first trip and failing to score on the second. Wilson led New York with 44 rushing yards while the club's running backs combined for 30 yards on 15 attempts. Malik Nabers, the team's primary receiving target, had 12 targets but caught five passes for 71 yards and was observed appearing frustrated with Daboll on the sideline at one point.

Daboll attributed the performance to collective issues rather than solely to Wilson. The coach said the staff and players must improve in coaching and execution, and he emphasized the need to study the game film before making personnel or schematic changes.

The decision to keep Wilson in place extends a period of scrutiny over the Giants' offense after it produced just six points in Week 1. New York now faces a short week of preparation before the Cowboys, a divisional opponent that will host the Giants on Sunday. The team will head to Dallas seeking to correct the offensive shortcomings that were evident against a Washington defense that applied consistent pressure and limited the Giants' running game.

Dart retains the designation of a developmental option at quarterback for New York, but the club's immediate plan is to give Wilson another start while the coaching staff weighs adjustments. The Giants will publicly evaluate personnel and game planning after reviewing film from the opener, with the decision to move away from a veteran starter left contingent on further performance and the staff's assessment.

The Giants' next game against the Cowboys will provide an early measure of whether the club's offensive issues can be addressed quickly or whether the team will face continued calls to alter its quarterback plans as the season progresses.