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via Imago

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via Imago

It’s the question that’s lingered over the Giants all offseason: How long before Jaxson Dart takes the reins from Russell Wilson? After just one preseason outing, the answer might be “sooner than anyone expected.” Facing the Bills, Dart put on a show that caught Brian Daboll’s eye. “That’s about what I thought he would do. Efficient, effective, aggressive, confident in the pocket,” said the head coach. With praise pouring in for the first-round pick, the Giants’ future suddenly looks brighter than ever.

But wait, Russell Wilson still claims the starting position. While Jaxson showed his capabilities in the preseason, so has Russell. The 36-year-old Super Bowl champion started the game by engineering a 12-play, 30-yard drive for a field goal. He ran quick-strike passing attacks, completing 6 of 7 for 28 yards in a single series. Never underestimate veteran experience. While Jaxson Dart took over after Russell put the first points on the board, Mr. Unlimited will carry a fond memory of that opening drive in Giants blue.

It had him put out a post on Instagram with the caption “

Restored.” Is it a celebration, or a statement of intent? Has Russell Wilson just hinted that he’s not ready to give up the starting job to Dart? While Russ didn’t need to play on Saturday, he felt he needed to open the acccount for the Giants’ campaign.  “I definitely wanted to play,” Wilson told reporters after the game with a smile on his face. “Anytime you get to be in the white lines, it’s a good thing. It’s a blessing.” Although he’s facing pressure from behind, he is not backing down.

Although his time on the field was brief, it wasn’t due to a lack of trust from Daboll. “Russ has done this for a long time. It’s not his first rodeo. Gave him some plays to get into a rhythm,” the HC said. For someone with as stacked a resume as Russell, it doesn’t take long to find your rhythm. It only took him one series. As soon as Daboll was sure of his QB1, he gave the chance to the other QBs.

Russell Wilson faces pressure from Jaxson Dart

While Russell is eager to play, Dart would prefer to

keep the snaps for himself. Against the Bills, Dart outscored Russell,granted he did log more time on the field. Still, that’s a pattern Dart will likely hope to repeat once the season kicks off. Dart finished 12 of 19 for 154 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown pass to Lil’Jordan Humphrey, while adding three carries for 24 yards. Its a dream start for the rookie but he’s not satisfied.

There’s definitely moments where I feel like I did some good stuff, but I’m excited to look back on the tape and look at the things I can clean up,” he said. Although he led the team to three scoring drives on four possessions, he’s already focused on improving. Any player who searches for flaws instead of basking in success is destined for greatness. “He’s a confident young player,” Daboll said. “He’s improved since he’s been here. Still got a long way to go, but I enjoy working with him.

His presence in the locker room will be hugely felt by Wilson who is hoping to throw him off his scent. It’s an exciting dynamic between the two. Hopefully, It doesn’t get marred by drama, but defined by healthy competition. Dart also often looks to Wilson as a competitor/mentor. “

Obviously, you’re competing, but these guys…They’ve been great assets for me, giving me advice. I have a great corner with those guys, so I’m going to continue to lean on them.” With Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Tommy DeVito in the room, Jaxson Dart has multiple veteran blueprints to follow.

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  Debate

"Is Jaxson Dart the future of the Giants, or does Russell Wilson still have magic left?"

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