Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

NFL Analyst Urges Giants to Bench Wilson for Dart After Dismal Opener

Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

The New York Giants’ 2025 season got off to rocky start with a 6-21 loss to the Washington Commanders on September 7, scoring just six points in a game that highlighted offensive woes. Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, already under pressure after a 3-14 campaign in 2024, face mounting scrutiny as the team prepares for Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants’ decision to start veteran Russell Wilson on a one-year, $10.5 million deal was meant to provide stability, but his debut 17-37 for 168 yards, 45.9% completion, and a 59.3 passer rating, did little to inspire confidence. Meanwhile, rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart’s preseason shine has fans and analysts buzzing about his potential.

See you Sunday. @Giants pic.twitter.com/qIZBfliUIv
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) September 6, 2025

This loss comes to precarious time for the Giants, who traded up to draft Dart No.25 overall from Ole Miss, viewing him as the long-term solution after Daniel Jones’ departure. With Daboll noncommittal on Wilson post-game, citing the needs to review tape, the pressure to pivot is intensifying. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has been vocal, arguing the Giants can’t afford another mistakes with jobs on the line.

Stephen A. Smith’s Fiery Call, ‘Jaxson Dart Has Got to Be Up in There’

On ESPN’s First Take on September 8, 2025. Stephen A. Smith didn’t mince words about the Giants’ quarterback crisis. “Your quarterback is a guy that has lost his last six starts, including the playoffs. By the way, over that span, he’s averaging 12.8 points This is not good. If you’re the New York Giants… Jaxson Dart has got to be up in there, because Russell Wilson, no disrespect, he’s just not the answer,” Smith said. He predicted a switch by Week 3 at the latest, emphasizing Wilson’s decline since leaving Seattle, his 2024 stint with the Steelers yielded 16 TDs in 11 games but with declining mobility and accuracy.

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Smiths’ rant underscores the broader narratives, Wilson’s veteran presence was a bridge, but his inability to threaten defenses poses no fear factor. Dart, raw from college but polished in preseason, offers upside with arm talent and leadership. Rushing him in could risk development, as seen with past rookies like Zach Wilson, but the Giants‘ desperation, leaves little room for patience. Daboll insists on reviewing tape before decisions, but with an 0-2 hole looming against Dallas, the clock is ticking.

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.