Preseason games are often boring, except if the team playing is from New York. Giants HC Brian Daboll waited a long time to study each QB. Days of sidestepping questions, letting the speculation swirl, weighing how to open the Giants’ preseason without tipping too much toward Week 1 plans. Then, just hours before kickoff, the decision dropped, and it was a strong one. Russell Wilson will start.

Connor Hughes broke it on X, backing up Art Stapleton’s report, “Russell Wilson will start for the #Giants tonight. Love that. Hated NFL trend we were on where no one played anyone. Feels like breaking from that.” And it’s true, this is a break from the trend.

Wilson’s not just starting tonight for the Giants; he’s doing it because that’s who he is. Groove guy. Rhythm guy. He’s always believed in shaking off the rust the old-fashioned way by actually playing football. Brian Daboll also believes in him to assert his dominance over their game.

And he has taken up such a role often. Just last year, he also started for the Steelers in the preseason games. Even then, he had a similar mindset. On August 6, while talking about his teammates, Wilson said, “I think it’s the best honor in the world to be able to lead a group of men like this. Young, driven, smart, tough, talented guys, man, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

Moreover, Mr. Unlimited also has many tricks up his sleeve. WR Malik Nabers was blown away in the training camp when he saw the moonball go high up in the air. At one point, he didn’t hope it would come to him. But when the pigskin landed, he found it pretty easy to catch.

So, the preseason opener against the Bills is the time to test his connection. That’s what Brian Daboll also believes in his veteran. Overall, the franchise wants to change its last season’s poor 3-14 win-loss record. But the rookie waiting behind him? He is also ready to take his spot.

Jaxson Dart has high praise for Brian Daboll

Jaxson Dart didn’t flinch even after the coach chose Wilson as the starter. He is patiently waiting for his snaps. After all, he knows that he would also get his time. “I’m just stoked for the opportunity,” Dart said, almost before the question was finished. No sulking, no passive-aggressive soundbites, just a kid genuinely amped to get on an NFL field. That’s not fake enthusiasm either.

Dart’s path from Ole Miss to the Giants was lined with records and gaudy stat lines. The Giants even moved up from the 2nd round to 1st round so that he can draft the rookie (25th overall). He’s used to being in the mix, even when he’s not QB1. And if you listen to him talk about Brian Daboll, you get why he’s handling this so well.

While praising the coach, Dart said, “Coach Dabes is great, man. There’s not another coach I’d rather be playing for. I love his intensity, I love the way that he coaches, and you know this is where I wanted to be.” It’s not just player-to-coach respect; it’s a belief that Daboll’s system is the right one to grow in, even if it means waiting his turn.

Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said Dart is “right on schedule” in learning the offense, praising his ability to process new looks, adapt to game situations, and command the huddle. Despite officially being QB3, Dart has logged most of the second-team reps in camp, a subtle sign the Giants want him tested beyond scout-team duties.

The action on August 10th will be telling for the rookie, even if it comes against second- or third-string defenders. Kafka’s message for Dart, operate within the offense, play decisively, and enjoy the moment. The approach mirrors the mindset Wilson himself used as a rookie in Seattle. And if Dart delivers, it could spark the first real debate about New York’s quarterback pecking order before the regular season arrives.