In a bold move, New York Giants coach Brian Daboll has decided to make Jaxson Dart the starting quarterback, marking a pivotal moment for a team struggling to find its footing. Since the start of the 2022 season, the Giants have been dismal, with a record of 11-33-1; they’ve managed only 3 wins in their last 20 games. Daboll, aware of the precarious nature of his position, had no choice but to turn to Dart, the only quarterback drafted by the Giants during his tenure alongside general manager Joe Schoen.
Daboll initially inherited quarterback Daniel Jones, whose promising start quickly devolved into a disappointing season. Following last year’s humiliating 3-14 record, Daboll had to convince Giants owner John Mara of his capability to build a winning team around a franchise quarterback. This lengthy evaluation process ultimately led the Giants to Dart, a player known for his fiery personality and competitive spirit, qualities that Daboll highly values in a quarterback.
To secure Dart, the Giants traded a pair of third-round picks, moving up nine spots to select him 25th overall in this year's draft. From that moment, the anticipation for Dart's debut began. Although the Giants initially emphasized the importance of veteran leadership from Russell Wilson, it soon became evident that with an 0-3 start, the patience for Dart's development was running thin.
This summer, it became clear that Dart would not be redshirted like Patrick Mahomes was in 2017. Daboll expressed pride in Dart's impressive preseason performances, leading to Dart being named the backup quarterback as the season commenced. This decision indicated that Daboll viewed Dart as not just a future asset but a player ready to contribute immediately. If Wilson were to falter, Dart would be ready to step in without hesitation.
The urgency surrounding Dart's promotion was underscored in the recent game against the Chiefs. As fans cheered for Dart's entry onto the field, they booed Wilson's exit, highlighting the growing discontent with the veteran quarterback. This dynamic is a clear indication of Daboll's commitment to preparing Dart for the starting role, especially after Wilson's underwhelming performance against the Chiefs.
Despite the excitement surrounding Dart’s debut, challenges are inevitable. Having practiced primarily with the second team, Dart will need to quickly adjust to the pace and pressure of NFL games. While he is well-liked by his teammates, it remains to be seen how veteran players who have praised Wilson's leadership will adapt to the shift in dynamics.
Team captain Darius Slayton expressed concerns about the risks of throwing a rookie quarterback into challenging situations too soon, suggesting that the transition might not always yield positive results. This sentiment reflects a broader concern within the organization about Dart’s rapid promotion.
The Giants' offense has ranked a disappointing 31st in scoring since the start of the 2023 season, leaving Daboll with little room to maneuver. With Dart now at the forefront, all eyes will be on how he performs and whether he can replicate the success Daboll had as Josh Allen's offensive coordinator in Buffalo. The stakes are high; success for Dart will mean less ambiguity surrounding his potential and more clarity for the future of the Giants.
The transition to Dart is not merely about on-field performance; it is also a career-defining moment for Daboll. If Dart thrives, it could overshadow the missteps made by Daboll and Schoen over the past four years. Conversely, if Dart struggles, it may prompt a reassessment of the leadership within the organization.
In a touching moment captured on camera shortly after the Giants drafted Dart, he and Daboll exchanged heartfelt words, concluding with Daboll’s declaration, “I’m banking on you.” Five months later, Daboll places his future in the hands of the 22-year-old quarterback, who confidently replied, “Smart man.” As the Giants prepare for their upcoming games, the football world will be watching closely to see if Dart can rise to the occasion and lead the Giants to a much-needed turnaround.
