Giants Eye Rookie Jaxson Dart as Wilson Falters – When Will the Switch Happen?

Why Jaxson Dart’s Preseason Performance Turns Heads

When the Giants picked Jaxson Dart at No. 25 in the 2025 draft, few expected him to become a conversation starter before the regular season even began. Yet in three preseason outings he completed 68% of his throws, racked up 372 yards and tossed three touchdowns without a single interception. Those numbers look good on paper, but the story gets richer when you watch the tape. Dart’s footwork in the pocket allowed him to evade pressure and deliver quick, accurate strikes right into the seams of the defense.

Beyond the stat line, his six rushes for 52 yards and a score showed he can buy time for his linemen and turn broken plays into gains. Scouts who saw him at USC and Ole Miss noted his ability to read defensive coverages – a trait often missing in first‑year starters. In a league where dual‑threat quarterbacks are prized, the Giants saw a tool that could stretch the field both vertically and horizontally.

The coaching staff took notice fast. Head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka designed a mini‑package that leans on Dart’s mobility and arm strength. The playbook includes option reads, roll‑outs to both sides, and a series of short‑zone passes that let him make decisions on the move. It’s not a wholesale overhaul; it’s a tactical tweak meant to keep defenses guessing whenever the rookie steps onto the field.

The Decision Dilemma: Wilson vs. Dart

Russell Wilson’s start to his Giants tenure has been anything but smooth. In the latest clash with Kansas City, he threw two first‑half interceptions and managed a meager 39 passing yards before halftime. The turnovers came on simple routes, suggesting a lapse in confidence or a failure to adjust to the new offensive system. Fans in the stadium quickly caught on, chanting “WE WANT DART” as the Giants trailed 9‑6.

Those chants echo a larger frustration among Giants supporters who expected Wilson to bring a veteran’s composure to a rebuilding offense. Instead, his decision‑making has looked tentative, and his deep‑ball accuracy has dipped compared to his Seattle years. While Wilson still possesses experience and a winning pedigree, his current playbook fit appears shaky.

In contrast, Dart’s mental sharpness shines through his preseason tape. He never forced throws into triple coverage and displays a calm before the snap that belies his age. His arm velocity, measured at 58 mph on short throws, surpasses Wilson’s average, and his ability to hit the middle of the field opens up running lanes for the rushing backs.

Analysts are now questioning whether the veteran’s experience outweighs the rookie’s athletic upside. If the Giants drop to 0‑3 after a loss to the Chiefs, the pressure on Daboll to make a change could become a weekly headline. Yet the coaching staff seems intent on a measured approach – keeping Wilson in to protect a potential playoff push while slipping Dart in during low‑stakes moments to let him acclimate.

• Play‑action bootlegs that let Dart read the linebacker’s reaction.
• Quick‑screen combos to maximize his ability to make a defender miss.
• RPO (run‑pass option) runs designed to exploit his faster footwork compared to Wilson.
• Mid‑field play‑calls that target his stronger arm while avoiding deep risk.

The plan mirrors what the Seattle Seahawks are doing with rookie Jalen Milroe and what the Pittsburgh Steelers attempted last season with Justin Fields working alongside Wilson. In each case, the backup isn’t just an insurance policy; he’s a strategic weapon that forces opponents to respect a different skill set.

For now, the Giants sit at a crossroads. Wilson’s veteran savvy could still prove valuable if he tightens up his reads and reduces turnovers. Meanwhile, Jaxson Dart offers a blend of speed, arm strength, and poise that could revitalize an offense that looks to rediscover its identity. The next few weeks will reveal whether the Giants gamble on the rookie’s potential or stick with the seasoned starter, and the decision will likely hinge on game flow, opponent defensive schemes, and the ever‑present desire to win now while grooming the quarterback of the future.