Russell Wilson Posts 'Mentally Tough' as Calls Grow to Replace Him with Jaxson Dart After Giants Debut
After a 21-6 Week 1 loss and a turnover-free but ineffective performance, Wilson remains the starter while rookie Dart's preseason form fuels debate.
Russell Wilson posted a two-word message on social media Tuesday — "Mentally Tough" — as calls increased for the New York Giants to turn to rookie Jaxson Dart following an uneven regular-season debut.
Wilson, who was named the Giants' starter this offseason after spending last season in Pittsburgh, completed 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday’s 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders. He was sacked twice in a game the Giants said featured red-zone struggles.
Coach Brian Daboll confirmed Monday that Wilson will remain the starter for Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. Daboll said he wanted to evaluate the game film before making any personnel or schematic changes and stressed that the loss "doesn't fall on Russell Wilson" alone, saying the team must improve collectively on coaching and execution.
"It’s an emotional game, it’s a tough game," Daboll said. "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. 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."
Criticism from some media figures was swift. Former coach and analyst Rex Ryan said on ESPN’s Get Up that the Giants should insert Dart immediately, arguing that the rookie outperformed Wilson in the preseason and deserved a chance to play in meaningful games.
"You’ve got to put [Dart] in because Russell Wilson can’t play anymore," Ryan said. "Put him out there, let him go, let him ride, and let’s see. If all of a sudden this guy becomes a real player, which we all assume he will... I think the kid’s got talent."
Dart, the Giants’ first-round pick at No. 25 in April’s 2025 NFL Draft, had an eye-catching preseason, throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions across three games. Entering the regular season as the team’s backup, Dart said he has shifted his perspective to support the veteran starter.
"Russ has completely earned that role for him, and he’s played amazing, he’s played elite," Dart said. "I want this team to win, so whatever my role is for that to happen, I’m going to do that to the best of my ability."
Wilson was asked Sunday whether he felt pressure after the loss and responded that he was focused on controlling what he could. "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.
The Giants open a crucial stretch Sunday in Dallas before returning home to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 21 on Sunday Night Football. Daboll, whose teams are 1-3 in Week 1 matchups during his tenure, indicated he prefers to make quarterback decisions based on tape review rather than emotion or outside noise.
Analysts and fans pointed to a contrast between Wilson’s regular-season output and Dart’s preseason poise, framing the decision as a short-term judgment call with long-term implications. The Giants’ offense managed just two field goals against the Commanders and failed to convert a red-zone opportunity into a touchdown, shortcomings Daboll said were collective rather than exclusively the starter’s responsibility.
The quarterback debate now centers on whether the team should stick with the veteran’s experience and leadership or accelerate the rookie’s transition after an impressive preseason. For now, Daboll and the Giants have opted for continuity entering a matchup against a Cowboys team that will test the offense’s ability to respond under Wilson’s direction.
