Giants Name Russell Wilson Starter Against Cowboys

The Russell Wilson era with the Giants is underway—for better or worse. After a shaky start in the season opener, coach Brian Daboll announced on Monday that Wilson will lead the team against the Cowboys this Sunday, facing what feels like a must-win situation on the road.

This decision follows the Giants’ investment in Wilson back in March, when they signed him to a one-year, $10.5 million deal. It’s been a significant move, especially given Wilson’s track record as a 10-time Pro Bowler, even before the team finalized their draft strategies.

The Giants have openly commended Wilson, especially highlighting his leadership qualities as a co-captain and his performance throughout training camp over the past six months. Still, there’s a lingering concern. If they were to struggle—say, starting the season 0-2—bringing in rookie Jackson Dart, their first-round pick, might become a topic of conversation. Veteran Jameis Winston is also in the mix as their second-string quarterback.

Remember how Eli Manning’s tenure took a sharp turn after starting 0-2 in 2019, leading to the rise of Daniel Jones? It’s not unreasonable to think that history might repeat itself.

This upcoming game against the AFC champion Chiefs could be telling, especially with eager fans ready to see some action. Wilson’s last outing didn’t inspire much confidence—he completed 17 of 37 attempts for 168 yards in a disheartening 21-6 loss, facing numerous hits and struggling under pressure.

“We’ll review the game at home,” Daboll said when asked about possibly starting Dart for the next matchup. His comments suggest that Wilson will shoulder the blame for the team’s shortcomings, which feels a bit heavy given the collective issues.

“This isn’t just about Russell Wilson,” Daboll clarified. “We need to improve across the board. I have faith in Russ.”