Why Benching Russell Wilson Giants QB Would Be a Mistake
- The Russell Wilson Giants era got off to a rocky start, but benching him now would be premature.
- Offensive line struggles and limited preseason reps explain Wilson’s Week 1 performance.
- Rushing rookie Jaxson Dart into the starting role could harm his long-term growth.
- Patience with quarterbacks, as seen in NFL success stories, often yields better results.
- The Giants need to build a stronger supporting cast before evaluating Dart as their franchise QB
A Shaky Debut for Russell Wilson
The Russell Wilson Giants experiment didn’t exactly kick off with fireworks. In Week 1, Wilson completed just 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards, and the Giants’ offense managed only six points in a loss to the Washington Commanders. Fans were quick to grumble, with some already clamoring for rookie Jaxson Dart to take over. But hitting the panic button on Wilson this early? That’s a move the Giants should steer clear of.
Having watched football for years, I know one rough game doesn’t define a quarterback, especially a veteran like Wilson. The Giants signed him to stabilize their offense after years of inconsistency. His debut wasn’t stellar, but there’s context behind the numbers.
Why Wilson Deserves a Longer Leash
Adjusting to a New System
Wilson is navigating his third offensive scheme in three years—a tall order for any QB. With only 14 preseason passes under his belt, it’s no surprise he looked out of sync. It’s like asking a musician to perform a new song with barely any rehearsal. The Russell Wilson Giants connection needs time to click.
Offensive Line Woes
The Giants’ offensive line, missing star tackle Andrew Thomas due to injury, left Wilson under constant pressure. He was hit eight times, sacked twice, and the running game—led by Tyrone Tracy, Devin Singletary, and Cam Skattebo—averaged a measly two yards per carry. Without protection or a balanced attack, even a quarterback of Wilson’s experience will struggle.
The Value of Patience
NFL history shows that rushing a QB switch rarely pans out. Look at quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers, who sat for a year or more before shining. Giving Wilson time to settle could steady the Giants’ offense and set the stage for Dart’s future.
The Risk of Rushing Jaxson Dart
The Giants traded back into the first round to draft Jaxson Dart, signaling their hope that he’s their franchise quarterback. That’s exactly why they shouldn’t throw him into a tough spot too soon. Starting a rookie behind a shaky offensive line with limited weapons—outside of standout Malik Nabers—could crush his confidence.
It’s like sending a new driver onto a busy highway in a beat-up car. The Giants need to bolster their line and add playmakers before handing Dart the starting role. Otherwise, they risk repeating the struggles of quarterbacks like Sam Darnold or Geno Smith, who needed new teams to rebuild their careers.
Read more: NFL Week 1 Takeaways 2025
How the Giants Can Move Forward
Strengthen the Offensive Line
Andrew Thomas’s return will help, but the Giants need to invest in line depth. A strong offensive line is the foundation of any winning offense, giving the QB time to throw and creating opportunities for the run game.
Add Playmakers
Beyond Nabers, the Giants’ offense lacks firepower. Adding dynamic receivers or running backs through free agency or the draft would give Dart a better shot at success when his time comes.
Develop Dart Slowly
If the Giants want to test Dart this season, they should wait until late in the year, when the pressure is lower. Ideally, they’d give him a full offseason to prepare as the starter with a stronger supporting cast.
Lessons from the NFL
Patience with quarterbacks often pays off. Jordan Love waited three years behind Aaron Rodgers before leading the Packers to success. Baker Mayfield overcame early career hiccups to shine with Tampa Bay. Rushing Dart into the Russell Wilson Giants spotlight too soon could stall his growth and keep the team in rebuild mode.
Final Thoughts:
As a Giants fan, I feel the frustration of a tough start, and the urge to see a new face like Dart is strong. But I’d rather endure a bumpy 2025 season than watch the Giants sabotage their future by rushing their rookie QB.
Sticking with Wilson now gives the team time to build a better foundation for Dart. The Russell Wilson Giants era might not be perfect, but it’s a bridge to a brighter future if the team plays its cards right. Let’s be patient—it’s the smarter bet.
Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.
