The Dallas Cowboys face a familiar opponent in Week 2, and not just because the New York Giants are a division rival. The Giants enter Sunday’s matchup in a familiar spot: coming off an uninspiring performance, lacking a clear identity, and mired in quarterback controversy.
Head coach Brian Daboll initially stopped short of committing to Russell Wilson as the starter against the Cowboys, but has since confirmed he’ll get the nod. It’s an unpopular decision, as Giants fans have already seen enough of their version of “Let Russ cook” after the offense managed just six points against an average Commanders defense in Week 1.
It seems that Dart will enter the mix sooner rather than later and that is exactly what FanSided's Ryan Heckman is predicting. Heckman thinks Sunday will be Wilson's last start of 2025.
Cowboys could send the Giants franchise into turmoil with a Week 2 win
"Russell Wilson looked abysmal in Week 1 against the Commanders. This Cowboys defense actually looked pretty fair against the defending champs, even without Micah Parsons," Heckman wrote.
"In this one, the Cowboys make Russell Wilson look like Cade McNown and force Brian Daboll into a very early shift at quarterback. Giants fans will thank the Cowboys for officially bringing on the Jaxson Dart era."
That last sentence is key. While Dart looked good in preseason, it would be a massive mistake to throw him out there in the middle of another likely loss (Wilson wouldn't get benched if things were going well).
Dart wasn’t a high first-round pick because experts believed he needed time to sit and develop before starting. He could come in and light up the NFL, but unlike Dak Prescott in 2016, he wouldn’t have the support of a competent offensive line or running game
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Wilson was pressured on 22 of his 45 dropbacks (49 percent) in Week 1, per Next Gen Stats. Meanwhile, Giants running backs managed just 15 carries for 30 yards. Star left tackle Andrew Thomas is questionable for Sunday after missing the opener, but New York’s offensive line is a disaster with or without him. Why throw a promising young quarterback into that mess?
Once the Giants turn to Dart, there is no going back. If he struggles, they will have to let him battle through it. That could do a number on his confidence.
Playing Dart would inject hope into a beaten-down fan base and buy Brian Daboll some time, given Dart was only drafted a few months ago. What should really concern Giants fans, though, is if the season implodes and Daboll and GM Joe Schoen are fired, leaving a new front office with a high draft pick and the chance to choose their own quarterback next April.
This decision is about much more than just benching Wilson. The consequences could put the Giants at (another) crossroads come January and the Cowboys could kickstart that process with a win on Sunday.
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