The metaphorical lights were not too bright for Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon in Buffalo, the Giants' first-round draft picks made their NFL debuts in a 34-25 road victory over the Bills to open the preseason. It provided a glimpse of what is to come in 2025 and beyond.
"It definitely didn't seem too big for them," general manager Joe Schoen said during an appearance in the broadcast booth. "And that's what it seemed like this spring and in training camp. Each day they're continuing to get better. You've never felt like it was too big for either of those guys."
Dart entered the game for the team's second drive. The Ole Miss career passing leader completed his first attempt, a nine-yard gain to wide receiver Zach Pascal. But it was his second drive that will have Giants fans talking.
After a long catch-and-run by wide receiver Montrell Washington, a common connection at training camp, Dart showed his timing and anticipation on a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey on the left side of the end zone.
The Giants took a 16-10 lead into halftime, and Dart's day ended there. He completed 12 of 19 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown, good for a 106.0 passer rating. He also ran for a team-high 24 yards on six carries.
"It was about what I thought he would do," coach Brian Daboll said about the 25th overall draft pick. "Efficient. Effective. Aggressive. Confident in the pocket."
As for Carter, the third overall pick played limited snaps but was able to generate some pressure.
"I thought both of those guys did a good job," Schoen said. "I saw Abdul, he looks like he got a couple pressures. I'll have to go back and see the film afterwards. And then Jaxson did a good job operating the offense, and I was glad he was able to get the two-minute drill in there in the end. I'm happy with where both of those guys are."
Add Russell Wilson to that list.
While he is long removed from his NFL debut, Saturday marked his first start in a Giants uniform. The 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback completed his first six passes en route to a Giants field goal – the first of three from 50+ yards by Graham Gano – on the opening drive.
"Being a pro and a vet that's been doing it for a long time, you can feel that at practice, you can feel that out there today," Wilson said. "The ball just comes out quick. There aren't any defenses that he hasn't seen before. He's got very good command of the offense, and I feel like you felt that today."