Despite his tough debut for the Giants, with fans and critics already demanding to bring in rookie Jaxson Dart, Brian Daboll remained optimistic on Russell Wilson’s status as the starter, “That game just doesn’t fall on Russell Wilson... but Russ will be the starter.” But for how long? Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio seems to have the answer to that.

Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, the NFL analyst theorized that the Giants are seemingly preparing for a potential transition, although the timing is based on performance and readiness.”If the Giants believed that Jaxson Dart would be able to perform at a sufficient level given the blocking that’s available to him, I think he’d already be out there,” Florio said. ”I think week five is the one to watch because they could be 0 -4 going into that game and by then there’s enough evidence there’ll be enough of an outcry from the fans. We got to do something.”

Wilson’s first New York experience was not good. He finished just 17 of 37 for 168 yards, often looking out of place under the Commanders’ defensive assault. The 21-6 loss highlighted the issues the Giants have as they try to build their offense around an experienced quarterback who has not yet developed a rhythm with a new cast. For many, the loss was an argument for ‘when’, rather than ‘if’ Dart will replace Wilson as the starting QB. And to illustrate that transition, Florio had a rather dramatic anecdote up his sleeve.

“Remember when Eli Manning was a rookie, they were five and four with Kurt Warner. And they benched Warner because that’s when they thought Eli Manning was ready. And some thought they should just ride that out: ‘They have a winning record with Kurt Warner. Let Eli Manning sit until next year,'” Florio said, using an analogy to the strategic timing the Giants would use with Dart. The analogy is one of phasing in instead of sudden replacement, downplaying reaction, and favoring readiness.

Moreover, what also needs to be considered is that there was some truth to what Brian Daboll said about collective responsibility. While Wilson did have a poor game, no doubt, it’s not like the rest of the group were at the top of their game. Giants running backs combined for a paltry total of 30 yards on 15 attempts, with an average of 2 yards per carry, while the QB finished the game as the team’s leading rusher. Then again, all things said and done, a Jaxson Dart is going to get his break sooner than later.

Jaxson Dart’s preparations

In the meantime, Brian Daboll ensured that Dart is really being readied for the NFL, separating the backup role with game readiness in case it’s required. “It’s his first regular season game to be part of, so he’s got to be ready,” Daboll said, referring to Dart’s readiness. “He’s got to see the game through the quarterback’s eyes on the sideline. He’s got to be involved in the communication. Each day we’re trying to groom him, and when he has to play, he’ll be ready to play.”

Dart, a three-year starter at Mississippi after his start at USC, enters the NFL with a strong performance. Last season, he had the best quarterback rating (180.3) and yards per attempt (10.8) in the country, bettering the SEC with 4,279 passing yards and a 69.3% completion percentage. Even though a rookie, Dart’s experience and training qualify him as a capable backup waiting to fill the position when the time demands.

Daboll acknowledged the delicate balance of naming Dart the No. 2 quarterback. ”(Dart) had a good camp. He had a good preseason. Again, for young quarterbacks, you’re going to see a variety of things when you first start playing that you need to learn from. Every kind of checkpoint we’ve had for him in his process, albeit only a couple months with us, he’s done a good job with.” Daboll said.

Therefore, the Giants are balancing between a veteran quarterback and speeding up the growth of a very talented rookie. With Week 2 approaching, everyone will be watching how Wilson performs because it will decide not only his but a young QB’s future as well.