Russell Wilson should buy Jaxson Dart time until the rookie is ready for the NFL. One thing is clear: the New York Giants should be counting on him now. A commentary.

In the US, they call it “Overreactions,” a column in which theories are put forward and analyzed after NFL game days. At first glance, some of the statements are very bold. Supposed overreactions, in other words.

For example: Russell Wilson belongs on the bench at the New York Giants. And Jaxson Dart must take over immediately.

After his poor performances so far, this may be an understandable reflex – but benching a Super Bowl winner after just three games?

New York Giants: Jaxson Dart is the future as quarterback

It’s important to remember that the question isn’t whether Wilson should be benched, but when he should make way. As a first-round pick, Dart is the future at this position for the Giants.

Therefore, the main question is whether Dart is ready to take over the job. Wilson is the “bridge quarterback.” He is the man who is supposed to bridge the gap until the rookie takes over. If he experiences another sporting spring during that time, so much the better.

Ideally, the veteran will give the newcomer time to acclimatize and valuable tips on how to become a playmaker, leader, and franchise face while cutting a fine figure. In other words, teaching by setting a good and successful example.

NFL: No time, even less patience

In the past, nothing was often rushed in this context, but today, top picks are often called upon earlier and earlier, and it’s not uncommon for things to go terribly wrong because the leap into the deep end was made too soon.

But the NFL business is relentless and has long since ceased to be one that grants those involved time and patience. However, many top talents are up to speed quickly enough after college to compete in the NFL.

Two things are coming together for the Giants right now: Under Wilson’s leadership, the offense has looked alarmingly harmless in two games so far, with Wilson appearing almost helpless under pressure – and not particularly accurate. The games offer little hope for a better season than 2024, and Wilson has not given the impression that he can adequately fulfill his intended role.

New York Giants: Waiting game could backfire

At the same time, however, Dart made a strong impression in the preseason. The fact that head coach Brian Daboll initially avoided making a lasting commitment to Wilson after the poor performance in Week 1 suggests that he basically considers Dart to be ready.

This has basically been the case since the start of the season, as Dart is the backup QB and would have stepped in if Wilson had been injured. Dart had displaced the other veteran on the team, Jameis Winston, in the depth chart.

However, Daboll officially expressed his confidence in Wilson after Week 1, confirming: “Russ is the starter.” Apparently, the coach felt that a change at that point would have been too much of an “overreaction.” But now, after Week 3, he once again avoided making a commitment. It’s a back-and-forth that also hurts the head coach.

New York Giants: Daboll under pressure

He is already under extreme pressure after a poor 2024 season.

To make matters worse, the crowd booed after the defeat against the Chiefs: Giants fans have apparently lost patience once again – not only with Wilson, but also with the team’s management. And when the pressure mounts from this corner, things are known to get uncomfortable.
This is compounded by the fans’ vocal demands for Dart. And since it doesn’t look like Wilson will be able to help the Giants consistently in the medium term to ensure that the tough schedule of games against the Chargers, the Saints, and the Eagles doesn’t end in a disaster, they should make the switch to Dart as soon as possible.

Sure, there are good arguments against it, such as the opponents and the risk of Dart being burned out. But what does the 22-year-old have to lose? Waiting any longer won’t particularly affect his development in the short term, but high-level practice will.

Jaxson Dart: It’s the right time

That’s why now is the right time to usher in the future at the Giants. The recent past has been unsuccessful enough. Given the history, the mood will continue to heat up if the failures continue, coupled with the question of why the team is relying on an aging ex-superstar and not on the man who is supposed to lead the team sooner or later anyway.

Because it’s also clear that Daboll no longer has time for experiments; he is doomed to win. If he and Wilson are 0-5 at the beginning of October, he will have to face uncomfortable questions—if he is still allowed to answer them as Giants coach at that point.

Because by then at the latest, his time will likely be up. And that’s without any “overreaction.”