“It’s an emotional game, it’s a tough game,” Brian Daboll said after the  Giants’ 21-6 loss to the  Commanders in Week 1. Yet, he didn’t blame quarterback Russell Wilson. “That game doesn’t fall on Russell Wilson. We’ve got to do a better job collectively — coaching, playing — but Russ will be the starter.” Wilson, too, added that Daboll had assured him early that he would remain QB1. However, reassurance comes with an edge. The Giants are transparent about preparing Dart behind the scenes, making it clear Wilson’s starting role isn’t untouchable. And the spotlight on Dart’s development puts Wilson’s future in focus.

The Giants aren’t leaving anything to chance. Brandon London, former WR and NFL host, explained on NY Post Sports’ YouTube channel with the discussion with insider Paul Schwartz: “They have been 100% transparent about… they’re getting this guy (Dart) ready to play, but they haven’t said they’re getting him ready to be QB1.” 

He continued, adding, “If anything were to happen (to Wilson), this kid has gotten, as he said, first-team reps in practice. We’re grooming him. He’s taking mental reps off to the side. When the first team is up there, we’re getting him ready to play. So it’s one of those things where you don’t want to throw this guy in there and then he not be able to be on the same page as everyone else that’s gone through the spring installs….training camp, and preseason.”

In short, Dart is being carefully prepared but isn’t replacing Wilson yet. He’s getting both on-field and mental reps to stay ready. This ensures Wilson’s role is secure but keeps him accountable. Wilson’s job security is under scrutiny. Every throw and every win matters. As Schwartz noted, a strong performance and a victory against the Cowboys on Sept. 14 could quiet speculation about Dart taking over.

To maintain his role, Wilson must elevate both his play and the team’s performance. “To stave off the rookie,” Schwartz said, “(Russell Wilson should) play better and have the team play better around him and, you know, heaven forbid, actually win a game in Dallas, where they never win. So, if they can do that, if they win a game in Dallas, unless it’s 3 nothing, no one’s going to be talking for Jaxson Dart.”

So, all in all, Russell Wilson gets another shot on Sunday when the Giants head to Dallas, a place they haven’t won since 2015. The pressure is already heavy, and if the offense stalls again, his job security will only get shakier with a first-round rookie like Dart waiting for his chance. Wilson isn’t backing down, though. He said after practice that he embraces challenges, doesn’t run from them, and trusts both himself and his teammates.

At 36, with a Super Bowl ring and Hall of Fame-worthy résumé, he’s built his career on resilience. Still, his Giants debut was rough. From the first snap in Landover, he never found a rhythm. His stat line (17-of-37, 168 yards) was ugly, and his body language worse, as he looked unsettled under pressure and lowered his eyes instead of scanning the field. Wilson, in fact, admitted it himself, “I didn’t play good enough. You always want to play better. Whenever you don’t win, you always feel like there’s more to do.”

On the other hand, naming Dart as QB2 shows readiness. They believe he is ready to “play at a moment’s notice,” Schwartz added. If Dart weren’t ready, Jameis Winston would have been the backup. Ultimately, the Giants’ transparent approach gives Wilson clarity about his shaky future and Dart a chance to grow. Wilson knows where he stands, and the team’s intentions are clear.

Brian Daboll is happy with Russell Wilson’s competition, Dart’s attitude

While Wilson starts, Dart is quietly gaining experience. Brian Daboll explained, “Yeah, he gets the show [scout] team. We mix him in once in a while on the first unit, but he spends a lot of time going through the script and going through the plays and keeping guys after practice and working through an entire script and throwing live balls. That’s just the plan we have for him.”

Dart’s development is both physical and mental. He reviews game scripts, takes extra throwing reps, and treats scout-team reps like live game reps. “You try to play that like a game, the best you can, with your timing, rhythm, eye control, mechanics, and knowing when to take off and when not to,” Daboll said. On game day, Dart stays engaged on the sideline, listening to play calls and discussions. Hence, coaches are pleased with his progress, saying, “in terms of the process that we’re doing with him, each day, he does a little bit better.”

Dart’s focus and learning attitude have earned trust from both Daboll and GM Joe Schoen. He got a few first-team reps last week, showing confidence from the staff. However, the coach still hasn’t set a timeline for when Dart will lead the offense. But “We’ll continue to work with him and do the things we need to do. He’s a tireless worker, I’d say in the classroom and then outside too. He’s going through tons of plays, both mentally and then physically throughout practice and after practice. We’ll continue to work with him and do the things we need to do,” Daboll adored.

Ultimately, Dart’s growth reflects the Giants’ transparent and deliberate approach. He’s gaining experience, understanding the system, and staying ready for any opportunity. Wilson remains the starter, but Dart’s preparation ensures the team’s future plans are clear and deliberate.