Russell Wilson was benched by the New York Giants for their Week 4 clash with the Los Angeles Chargers
Russell Wilson will still be part of the Giants’ leadership group moving forward(Image: Kathryn Riley, Getty Images)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson kept his captain status for the opening coin toss against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday despite being sidelined in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart.
Head coach Brian Daboll made the strategic change after witnessing his squad drop their initial three contests of the season, prompting him to bench the 36-year-old veteran in search of an answer to their dismal beginning. The move paid off as the Giants secured a 21-18 triumph over the previously undefeated 3-0 Chargers.
Before kickoff, Giants icon Michael Strahan expressed mixed feelings when asked about Daboll’s choice. “I know how tough it is to play in New York, I know all the pressures of New York,” he commented on FOX NFL Sunday.
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“He’s going to throw this young quarterback in there, and everyone’s thinking, ‘Jaxson Dart, he’s had a great pre-season, he’s going to turn this around. He’s going to be the savior’. It’s not that easy.”
Dart ultimately captured his inaugural start, and while his showing wasn’t spectacular – completing 13 of 20 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown – there were encouraging signs to take away.
Nevertheless, despite losing his starting role, Wilson still drew attention by participating in the opening coin toss alongside his fellow Giants captains. He also made a short appearance in the third quarter when Dart was evaluated for a potential concussion.
Russell Wilson remained a captain for the Giants’ opening coin toss with the Chargers on Sunday
Post-game, the Ole Miss alum took a moment to honor the NFL seasoned pro, expressing gratitude for his guidance leading up to the rookie’s first game as a starter and for consistently setting an example of professionalism.
“Obviously, [I] want to give a big shout-out to Russ,” Dart said. “I know that this week probably wasn’t the easiest thing, but he handled it like a professional and just was a mentor for me.
“So, obviously, just have a ton of respect for him, and it goes for Jameis [Winston] as well, just getting me prepared for this week.”
Daft has been complimentary to Wilson after taking his job(Image: Icon Sportswire, Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Despite ranking sixth in the league for passing yards before being sidelined, Wilson’s performance in the Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs led to Coach Daboll’s decision amidst increasing scrutiny from both fans and management.
In the disappointing 22-9 defeat at the hands of the Super Bowl LIX finalists, Wilson managed 18 completions on 32 attempts for 160 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions, which resulted in jeers from the crowd and chants for Dart.
Having signed with the Giants for only a year, Wilson’s future in the NFL is now up in the air after losing his starting position with three different teams over the past couple of years, following departures from the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers.
With the possibility of a trade looming, a nostalgic return to the Seattle Seahawks seems improbable. The team’s current roster, with Sam Darnold performing well and rookie Jalen Milroe waiting in the wings, doesn’t lend itself to such a move.