The New York Giants woke up on Monday morning staring at an 0-3 record after a 22-9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. What should have been a showcase home game on primetime instead ended in more frustration, boos from the MetLife crowd, and growing questions about where this team goes next — particularly under center.
The Quarterback Conundrum
Head Coach Brian Daboll opened his Monday media availability with the same tone he carried after the game: firm, deliberate, and unwilling to be cornered into a declaration about his quarterback. Asked multiple times if Russell Wilson remains the starter, Daboll left the door wide open to a possible change.
“We’re working through all personnel decisions and we’ll do that over the next few days,” Daboll said. “We’re evaluating everything.”
Pressed again on whether a quarterback change was truly on the table, Daboll repeated his mantra.
“I’d say we’re evaluating everything.”
It’s been a rocky start for Wilson, who through three weeks has been unable to jumpstart the passing game. Daboll emphasized that the issues are collective — not just on the quarterback — pointing to breakdowns in protection, routes, and reads. But the reality is that Wilson’s numbers in the red zone and on third downs have stalled the Giants’ ability to finish drives.
The team’s faith in Wilson hasn’t disappeared, but Daboll and General Manager Joe Schoen now face an uncomfortable reality: stick with the veteran in hopes he stabilizes the offense, or turn to another option.
Jaxson Dart Waiting in the Wings
For weeks, rookie Jaxson Dart has been integrated into red zone packages, with two straight games featuring him on designed snaps. While limited, his presence has already sparked speculation.
Daboll acknowledged that Dart has checked the developmental boxes set by the coaching staff.
“We wouldn’t put anybody in the game we don’t feel confident with,” he said.
Still, Daboll declined to say if Dart is close to earning a start. Veteran backup Jameis Winston also looms as a potential stopgap, though Daboll kept all options on the table.
Wide receiver Darius Slayton, the team’s longest-tenured offensive player, weighed in with a perspective that combines caution with optimism.
“Ultimately, I want Jaxson Dart to be a perennial All-Pro, Pro Bowl, Super Bowl-winning quarterback one day,” Slayton said. “Why not let him wait while he can wait? If he does play, give him some grace. Don’t show up and boo him a game or two in if he doesn’t do well.”
Slayton drew comparisons to Patrick Mahomes’ rookie year, where Andy Reid held him out until Week 17, and even referenced his own experiences with Daniel Jones being thrust into action too quickly in 2019.
“We just played a guy yesterday who didn’t play at all his rookie year, and he’s probably going to go down as the greatest player ever,” Slayton noted.
Red Zone Regression
The Giants’ inability to score touchdowns inside the 20-yard line has become one of the defining issues of the young season. Through three games, they’ve generated opportunities but have repeatedly come up empty.
“We’ve been down there a fair amount and the results haven’t been there,” Daboll admitted. “We’ve got to look at every option to improve.”
Penalties, miscommunications, and play design all came under scrutiny in Daboll’s Monday review. Rookie running back Cam Skattebo provided one bright spot with a hard-fought touchdown, but the unit overall sputtered again.
Locker Room Resilience
If the offensive identity remains unsettled, the defense is trying to hold its ground. Kayvon Thibodeaux, one of the team’s emotional leaders, didn’t shy away from calling Sunday’s effort incomplete.
“I think it wasn’t bad, but definitely didn’t do enough to win,” he said.
Thibodeaux praised Brian Burns’ consistency — three sacks in three games — and emphasized that the defensive front has yet to truly “put its stamp” on a game.
Asked how he keeps faith during a losing streak, Thibodeaux leaned into his process-driven mentality.
“Nothing that you want is going to come easy, and nothing that is good is going to be easy,” he said. “We’ve just got to keep working and keep grinding. The hard work is worth it. Just be in love with the process.”
He also looked ahead to this week’s matchup with the Chargers, where he’ll face his former Oregon teammate Justin Herbert.
“He’s definitely a gunslinger,” Thibodeaux said. “They’ve got a lot of weapons around him and a good offense, so I’m excited to break it down.”
Slayton Speaks for the Offense
Slayton, entering his sixth year, gave a candid view into the offensive struggles and the reality of playing through boos from the home crowd.
“The only thing you can do to change that or prevent that is to change the product that you’re putting out there on the field,” he said. “Put a good product out there, and they’ll quickly turn from boos to cheers.”
Slayton’s broader message was one of accountability. He admitted to leaving plays on the field and emphasized that the receivers must do more to help the quarterback.
But he also injected perspective into the debate swirling around the team.
“If you think of yourself as a good football player, then you’d think when I get there and if I can get some people to go with me that I’ll be part of the reason why the franchise trends in that direction,” Slayton said. “That’s been my focus since I’ve been here.”
He bristled at the suggestion that losing has desensitized him.
“I personally don’t because I hate losing,” he said. “I hate losing anything, ping pong, checkers, jacks, whatever. Every game sucks because guys put a lot into it.”
Injury Watch
Daboll also provided updates on several key players:
-
Andrew Thomas (tackle): Exited Sunday healthy, but his workload will be managed through the week.
-
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB): Shoulder injury, pending further tests.
-
Graham Gano (kicker): Groin issue being evaluated; Daboll said he would have more clarity Wednesday.
These developments only add to the uncertainty surrounding a team still searching for stability.
The Road Ahead
The Giants now prepare to face the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers (3-0), led by Herbert, in Week 4 at MetLife Stadium. It’s another test against an AFC contender, and another opportunity for Daboll’s team to stop the bleeding before the season slips too far out of reach.
Whether Wilson remains under center or a new quarterback takes the reins, Daboll’s message is clear: the evaluation continues.
“We go through the process of evaluating the personnel and having conversations about the personnel every week,” Daboll said. “Those are normal conversations I’d say every day.”
At 0-3, those conversations now carry more urgency than ever. The Giants are at a crossroads, and the next decision at quarterback could shape the trajectory of their season.
Featured Articles
Featured Writers
