Giants Interim Coach Makes Key QB Change
Mike Kafka, stepping in as the interim head coach for the Giants, has made a notable adjustment to the team’s quarterback depth chart. Jameis Winston will be the starting quarterback if Jackson Dart isn’t cleared to play in the upcoming game against the Packers at MetLife Stadium.
Dart, a promising rookie, is still in concussion protocol and is unlikely to be ready in time for this weekend’s match.
This move elevates Winston above Russell Wilson, who initially started for the first three games this season before taking a backup role behind Dart.
Despite being on the roster as the inactive third quarterback throughout the season, Winston would only have been an option if the primary quarterbacks faced injuries.
Dart sustained his concussion towards the end of the third quarter during a 24-20 loss to the Bears last Sunday. His injury occurred when he fumbled while being tackled, hitting his head hard on the ground. After completing two snaps in the fourth quarter, he was taken into the blue medical tent for evaluation.
Kafka, now 38, had served as the offensive coordinator since Brian Daboll’s hiring in 2022. After Daboll’s dismissal on Monday, the Giants found themselves with a 2-8 record for the third consecutive season and on a four-game losing streak. Kafka is set to hold his first practice in this new capacity on Wednesday, with a new starting quarterback.
Meanwhile, Russell Wilson, at 36 years old and a veteran of 14 seasons, has struggled significantly despite his experience. He has lost all three starts this season, with his best showing being a three-touchdown, 450-yard performance in a heartbreaking overtime loss to Dallas.
In his other two starts, Wilson’s performance faltered. When Dart left the last game with his concussion, Wilson stepped in and managed to complete only 3 of 7 passes for 45 yards, while getting sacked twice, which really disrupted the flow of the game.
Winston, known for his charismatic demeanor, has also built a rapport with teammates. While he often shows a lighthearted side publicly, he brings a more serious approach to the locker room. He’s been especially supportive of Dart during the rookie’s transition.
At 31, Winston holds a starting record of 36-51 over his decade in the NFL. Previously starting seven games with the Browns last year, he made the move to the Giants this offseason on a two-year contract worth $8 million. He has logged 154 touchdown passes against 111 interceptions throughout his career.
