Russell Wilson will start at quarterback for the New York Giants in their second game of the season Sunday at Dallas, coach Brian Daboll said on Monday.
Daboll will keep faith with the veteran, despite his lackluster performance in the team’s season-opening 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders.
The Giants coach made the announcement of Wilson remaining the starter on a video call with reporters Monday less than 24 hours after he left open the possibility of turning to rookie Jaxson Dart.
Wilson was 17 of 37 for 168 yards in a 21-6 loss to the Commanders. The Giants did not score a touchdown in Week 1 for a third consecutive year.
Dart, a first-round pick whom the organization hopes is the future at the position, dressed as Wilson’s backup but is still awaiting making his NFL debut.
But he will have to wait for now after Daboll announced Wilson will start against the Cowboys.
Russell Wilson will start at quarterback for the New York Giants against the Dallas Cowboys
There have been calls for rookie Jaxson Dart to start after Wilson struggled at the Commanders
When asked if Wilson will start, he told reporters: ‘Yes. After a game, you know, it’s an emotional game, it’s a tough game.
‘Didn’t play particularly well, I would say, collectively, but in terms of making any of those decisions, really at any position or schematic changes, I’d like to do it with a clear head and watch the tape.
‘Again, like I said yesterday, that game doesn’t fall on Russell Wilson. We’ve got to do a better job collectively, coaching, playing, but Russ will be the starter.’
The Giants twice had the ball inside the Washington five, settling for a field goal the first time and failing to score at all the second.
Wilson had to deal with an effective pass rush and led the Giants with 44 yards rushing. New York’s running backs, however, had only 30 yards on 15 attempts.
At times, New York’s best offensive idea seemed to be throwing a jump ball to Malik Nabers, but 12 targets for the standout receiver yielded only five catches for 71 yards – and Nabers appeared to express frustration with Daboll on the sideline at one point.
