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Unfortunately for New York Giants fans, they got to experience the Russell Wilson that Pittsburgh Steelers fans saw go 0-5 from mid-December to mid-January including the playoffs and not the Wilson who went 6-1 from mid-October to early December last season.
In his Giants debut, Wilson completed 17 of 37 passes (45.9%) for 168 yards and he finished with a passer rating of 59.3; he also ran for another 44 yards but New York’s offense totaled just 231 yards and 17 first downs and didn’t score a single touchdown.
Despite reports surfacing before Sunday’s game that the Giants had worked up a package of plays for Jaxson Dart, the rookie QB didn’t see the field with New York playing from behind for three-and-a-half quarters.
While there was plenty of blame to go around following the Giants’ 21-6 loss, head coach Brian Daboll seemingly refused to point the finger at Wilson despite his underwhelming performance.
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“I’ve got confidence in Russ,” Daboll said, via ESPN. “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.”
Though he was clear about not having any concerns with Wilson, Daboll also didn’t commit to starting the 10-time Pro Bowler next week against the Dallas Cowboys.
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“We’re going to get home and look at our game,” Daboll told reporters when asked if he’d consider starting Dart over Wilson in Week 2.
Dart, who starred at Ole Miss the last three years, stood out for his strong play during the preseason. He completed 68% of his passes (32 of 47) for 372 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions, and he rushed five times for another 52 yards and one score.
Most expect Wilson to have a little bit longer leash than just one game, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the Giants found a way to work Dart into the offense in some capacity next week.
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