Josh Allen’s Impact on Giants’ Coaches
If it weren’t for Josh Allen, it’s likely that Brian Daboll wouldn’t be the head coach of the Giants, nor would Joe Shane hold the position of general manager.
Daboll and Schoen have navigated the ups and downs of NFL careers, eventually landing the roles they desired. Daboll was an offensive coordinator, while Schoen served as a GM assistant.
The successful run in Buffalo certainly involved Bills’ general manager Brandon Bean and head coach Sean McDermott, but it’s undeniable that Allen’s presence catalyzed the success that led Daboll and Shane to their current positions.
That’s how it often goes with star players.
It’s interesting to see how Daboll recently mentioned that Jaxson Dart, whom the Giants selected in the first round of the 2025 draft, would be connecting with Allen.
Dart shared, “I spoke to Josh a few days after being drafted, and he’s someone I really admire. Being on the same field as him feels surreal.”
And indeed, Dart will be on the field with Allen on Saturday as the Giants kick off their preseason schedule against the Bills at Highmark Stadium.
However, these two quarterbacks won’t be going head-to-head. The Bills will have many of their starters participating, but Allen will be watching from the sidelines.
Daboll hasn’t clearly outlined how he plans to utilize his squad but has made it a point to ensure Dart gets some playtime.
The progress Allen made as the seventh overall pick in 2018 is a prime example of effective player development. It’s essential for teams aiming to mold their next franchise quarterback.
The initial plan wasn’t to rush Allen into playing as a rookie, but circumstances led to him taking the field frequently. Dart, conversely, is expected to absorb knowledge and grow under veterans like Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.
No one is suggesting that Dart will immediately elevate the Giants to the level Allen has with the Bills. After all, Allen is considered one of the elite players in the league, even being named the most valuable player in 2024.
Dart had a strong debut summer with the Giants, but hasn’t eclipsed Wilson during the early weeks of camp.
This isn’t particularly surprising, given Wilson’s extensive experience—this will be his 14th NFL season, while Dart is fresh off a three-year stint at Ole Miss.
During their conversation, Dart noted that Allen has a unique quality when it comes to quarterback leadership. “I think that’s the biggest thing as a quarterback. He emphasized leadership a lot,” Dart explained.
Dart mentioned, “Coach Daboll has the ability to coach various quarterbacks, adjusting to different skill sets and styles.”
At camp, Dart mostly worked with the second-team offense, while Wilson took the lead with the starters and Winston usually remained with the third team.
Daboll took pressure off Dart by designating Wilson as the starting quarterback from the beginning of camp.
It’s not as if Daboll is inexperienced; he’s well-versed in the NFL landscape.
Occasionally, Daboll would put Dart in with the starters unexpectedly to gauge how he handled certain situations.
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka commented, “I think Jackson is right on track with what we expect in understanding the offense and learning day by day. Whether it’s a two-minute drill, a critical situation, or dealing with a specific blitz, it’s all about gaining more experience and opportunities to grow.”
