The New York Giants are on the edge of their seats, clinging to hope with a 0-3 record as the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers storm into MetLife Stadium. For Giants head coach Brian Daboll, this Sunday’s clash is a final call to prove his worth. 

And one player is holding the giant’s last hope: rookie Jaxson Dart. How Dart performs this Sunday could literally decide if Daboll keeps his job or watches his coaching future slip away.

CBS Sports analyst Will Brinson recently cut through the noise with grim clarity on NFL News & Notes. “I think the Giants have the best chance of saving their season because they can go and lose,” said Brinson, but then he hit a key line that sets the stakes. “But if Jaxson Dart looks awesome and operates really well and Brian Dabolls offense and they use the RPO stuff and they use the read option and they play with some tempo and he uses his legs and doesn’t fall down like a 45-year-old dad chasing a toddler like Russell Wilson did on Sunday night against the Chiefs, trying to run in the red zone. Then I think that everyone involved in the Giants can save their season.” 

And Dart’s preseason stats back it up: 32 completions on 47 passes for 372 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions. Plus 52 rushing yards and a score on six carries. So, in short, if Dart plays well, Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen might just save their jobs.

Brinson also added, “If they beat the Chargers on Sunday, and I don’t think that’s that far out of the realm of possibility. As good as the Chargers are, if they beat the Chargers, then it’s almost like impossible that the Giants, even regardless of what happens the rest of the season, would fire their coaching staff.”

Backing this high-stakes analysis comes Giants OC Mike Kafka, who sees Dart’s blend of swagger and confidence as exactly what the Giants need.

“That’s what you want in a quarterback,” Kafka said. “Swagger, confidence, I think they’re kind of one and the same. How you want to define it, I just think Jaxson has that.”

Kafka also believes Dart should develop as a backup at first, but now sees his leadership and preparation in meetings. But still, Russell Wilson’s benching by Brian Daboll was a brutal pill to swallow.

The real reason behind Russell Wilson’s bench

The veteran threw three costly overthrows late in the third-quarter loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, which included an intentional grounding penalty leading to a turnover on downs.

In that game, Wilson finished 18 of 32 for just 160 yards with two interceptions. His Week 2 explosion of 450 yards and three touchdowns in Dallas seems a distant memory.

Yet, Wilson isn’t burning bridges. “I’m focused on helping this team win,” he said firmly. “I’m focused on helping Jaxson…I want to be here. I love this organization. I love the process of it all. I love the guys in the locker room. I’m not giving up on us in this season.” 

Wilson’s readiness to help and support Dart could mean he is one play away from returning to the field at MetLife. But for now, he accepts his new role.

Mike Kafka praised Wilson’s professionalism since being demoted. He’s been “nothing but a pro,” Kafka said. “It’s never easy to get in that situation. But he’s a great teammate. He’s a captain of our team, and the leadership he possesses it feeds through the rest of the team.”

There is inevitable trade talk swirling around Wilson, who signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal in March. While rumors may circulate, Wilson himself hasn’t asked for a release or trade. Instead, he has signaled commitment to the Giants and Brian Daboll’s rebuilding effort.