News just in, Jaxson Dart to start at quarterback for the New York Football Giants against Los Angeles Chargers.
It has been a very up and down first three weeks for Russell Wilson, but ultimately after three losses – two of those with very sub-par quarterback play – the decision has been made for bench Wilson and put in Jaxson Dart.
The next five weeks are pretty brutal, with the G-Men set to face Chargers (H), Saints (A), Eagles (H), Broncos (A) and Eagles (A).
It makes sense to me though to do it now and here is why.
Debut at home
Making a first start at home will make it easier for Dart to hear the play call, make adjustments at the line and have less intimidation from opposing fans.
It should allow Dart to adjust to NFL life with an eye on Week 5, where the Giants will be desperate to beat the New Orleans Saints and get a win to their name.
Run, Pass Option is back
We saw head coach Brian Daboll implement a run, pass option (RPO) scheme under Daniel Jones – yes the apparent league MVP quarterback of the Indianapolise Colts.
This has not really been present with Wilson, and where it has been run it has been poorly executed.
We have been bringing Dart into games to run a couple of RPO’s this season, though he has yet to attempt a pass.
Daboll has confirmed there was a pass-first option play called for Dart in Week 3 but he chose to go with the run.
This shows patience in Dart which I like, he must be desperate to get onto the field and make a play for the team, but went with the best read and handed the ball off.
Elusiveness in pocket
Wilson, through no fault of his own, did not have the mobility he did 10 years ago and struggled to keep plays alive using his legs.
By having Dart come in, the threat of his legs will open up the defense and also give the receivers more time to get open.
This will help to keep the Chargers defense on their heels and may need to spy him.
Feel good factor
Giants football was dead to everyone as of yesterday.
Content creators were getting slated for their opinions by people within the organisation, and planes were hired to carry banners over the stadium calling for change in coaching and ownership ahead of Week 4’s contest.
There is arguably nothing more exciting in NFL than the debut of a first round pick quarterback.
It is something very rare for Giants fans, with just Eli Manning – acquired via trade – and Daniel Jones drafted in the first round in the last 20 years. So this brings a real buzz to the team.
Who knows, maybe we win this week as there is no NFL film on Dart. How often do you see back-up quarterbacks come in and win a game? They are hailed the next Peyton Manning and then they show why they are only a back-up in the weeks that follow.
Obviously there are higher expectations for Dart, but if he can guide us to victory this week, we have the Saints in Week 5.
That would be a 2-3 record a real possibility before facing Philadelphia to get back to .500.
I am getting ahead of myself there obviously but you never know.
Job saver?
If Dart looks average and progresses as the season goes on, I would imagine Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll will get one more year.
We have heard for so long that Daboll has not had “his guy” at quarterback.
For the first time in four seasons, he will have exactly that under center.
This is do or die time for coach, and ultimately could shape the franchise for the next decade or more.
It all starts on Sunday.
