Giants bench Russell Wilson, start rookie Jaxson Dart vs Chargers

Oct, 10 2025

When Russell Wilson, quarterback of the New York Giants learned he’d be benched, the roar at MetLife Stadium turned into a chorus of “Let’s go Dart!” The move, announced on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, puts 22‑year‑old rookie Jaxson Dart, the 25th overall pick, in the starting role for Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s a gamble that could revive a franchise that has stumbled through four straight seasons without a playoff berth.

Why the QB Change Was Inevitable

The Giants opened the 2025 campaign 0‑3, a record they haven’t seen since Brian Daboll took the helm in 2022. Week 1 against Washington saw Wilson complete 17 of 37 passes for just 168 yards and a paltry 59.3 passer rating. Week 2 was a statistical fireworks show—450 yards tossed at Dallas—but it still ended in a 40‑37 loss. The final straw came on Oct. 5, when the Chiefs routed New York 22‑9 and Wilson finished 18‑32 for 160 yards, two interceptions, and a 43.8 rating. Fans, already restless, began chanting for the rookie during that game; the murmurs turned into an outright chant by the third quarter.

Inside the organization, the numbers spoke louder than the cheers. In the first three games, Wilson managed just 52 completions on 106 attempts (49.1%) for 778 yards, zero touchdowns and two picks. The offensive line’s sack rate remained high, and the running game never found a rhythm. Daboll, who famously turned the 2022 Giants into a surprise AFC‑East contender, admitted in a press conference on Oct. 6 that “we’re evaluating everything,” but his eyes were clearly on the future.

Dart’s Path from Ole Miss to the NFL

Dart arrived in New York after a prolific three‑year stint at the University of Mississippi. Over 2022‑2024 he piled up 7,892 passing yards, 57 touchdowns and 23 interceptions, plus 527 rushing yards and 11 scores on the ground. His senior year, he posted a 108.2 passer rating in the preseason, completing 42 of 61 attempts for 487 yards, four TDs and one interception. The Giants traded back into the first round solely to snag him at No. 25, a move that signaled they were looking for a long‑term answer at the position.

During training camp, Dart climbed the depth chart from third‑string to surpass veteran backup Jameis Winston. He earned his first snap in the Chiefs game when Wilson was briefly taken out for a kneel‑down; the crowd’s reaction was electric. “I felt the energy in that stadium,” Dart later told ESPN’s Arye Pulli. “It gave me confidence that I could belong here.”

Reactions from the Giants Organization and Fans

Co‑owner and president John Mara addressed the fan unrest on WFAN on Oct. 6, saying, “We hear the fans, and we’re taking their concerns seriously.” The sentiment was echoed on social media, where hashtags like #DartStart trended across New York. Even long‑time season ticket holders admitted they were skeptical of Wilson’s ability to turn the tide after three miserable weeks.

Inside the locker room, Daboll’s tone shifted from cautious to decisive. After the Chargers game on Oct. 12, he said, “There’s no quarterback I’d rather work with than Jaxson.” The quote, reported by the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz, resonated with a fan base desperate for a new narrative.

On‑Field Impact: Early Starts and the Concussion Scare

Dart’s first start against the Chargers was a study in poise. He threw for 262 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, leading the Giants to a 28‑24 victory that snapped the 0‑3 slump. The Chargers’ defense, ranked 7th in the league at 287.3 yards allowed per game, was no easy foe, making the win all the more impressive.

Week 5 against Arizona saw Dart add another 301 passing yards and two TDs, though a late fumble cost the Giants a narrow loss. Then came Week 6’s Thursday Night showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles. Mid‑third quarter, Dart was hit by defensive end Josh Sweat and briefly lost consciousness. He was escorted to the medical tent, sparking a wave of boos when Wilson entered the game for a solitary hand‑off to running back Tyrone Tracy, Jr.. The fans’ reaction was captured in viral X videos from commentator John (@iam_johnw).

After a swift concussion protocol clearance, Dart returned to lead New York to a 34‑17 triumph, his first win as a starter against a playoff‑bound opponent. The comeback lifted the Giants to 2‑1 with Dart behind the center, a stark contrast to the 0‑3 start that triggered his elevation.

What This Means for the Giants’ Season

Statistically, Dart’s four starts have produced 1,252 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions, plus 247 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. Wilson, now the backup, remains on a $15 million base contract and still carries the cachet of ten Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl ring from his Seattle days. The question for New York is whether the gamble pays off long enough to secure a playoff berth before the inevitable showdown with division rivals.

Analysts at NFL Network, including Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, note that the Giants’ offense has shown a 22‑point improvement per game since Dart took over. “If he can keep the turnover margin low and preserve the ball in the red zone, the ceiling is real high,” Rapoport said on Oct. 15.

For fans, the narrative has shifted from “Will we ever win?” to “Can we keep this momentum?” The next test comes against the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 27. A victory would push the Giants to 3‑2, positioning them squarely in the race for a wild‑card spot. If the team continues to rally around Dart, the 2025 season could become a compelling redemption story for a franchise that has, until now, been mired in mediocrity.