Russell Wilson posts 'Mentally Tough' after calls to bench him following Giants' loss

Russell Wilson sought to project calm Monday after a rocky opening-week performance for the New York Giants, posting a two‑word message — "Mentally Tough" — on X amid calls from fans and commentators that the veteran quarterback be benched.

Wilson's brief post came a day after a 24‑6 loss to the Washington Commanders in which he completed 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. The show of resolve followed public speculation that head coach Brian Daboll could turn to rookie Jaxson Dart or backup Jameis Winston as the Week 2 starter against the Dallas Cowboys.

After the game, Wilson said coaching decisions were not his to make and reiterated his focus on improving. "I thought we competed our butts off today … they stopped us in the red zone. I think that was the name of this game," he said.

Daboll declined to definitively name a starter for Week 2, saying the staff would evaluate the film and that decisions would follow. "We're going to get home and look at our game," Daboll said. "Yeah we're just right here after the game. I've got confidence... We have to do better around overall - coaches, players, [all] around everybody. So we'll get focused and ready to go on to Dallas."

Pressed on whether he had confidence in Wilson, Daboll answered affirmatively but noncommittally. "We're talking about after every game. ... I've got confidence in Russ," Daboll said. "We'll go back, evaluate the tape. This game isn't on Russell Wilson. It's not on Russell Wilson. Let me make that clear. I have confidence in Russ. We have to do a better job all the way around."

Wilson, a Super Bowl winner with the Seattle Seahawks, has drawn scrutiny in New York following the trade that sent him to the Giants. The team's offensive struggles in Week 1 renewed debate among fans and analysts about whether the organization should turn to Dart, the rookie, or rely on Winston as a veteran backup.

Dart appeared sparingly in Sunday’s game and remains a potential option should the coaching staff choose a change at quarterback. Winston is also on the roster as an experienced alternative. Daboll's comments left open the possibility of a change, but he emphasized team accountability rather than placing the loss solely on Wilson.

The Giants will have a short week to prepare for Sunday’s game in Dallas. Daboll said the staff and players would use the coming days to correct mistakes and prepare for the Cowboys, while Wilson's social-media message signaled his intention to respond on the field.

Wilson's X account shows more than 5.4 million followers. The Giants open the season 0‑1 and will host the Cowboys in Week 2 seeking a bounceback performance from their quarterback and offense.