Week 1 in the NFL is typically a time for optimism. Every team in the league begins the year with the same clean slate, and, theoretically, the same opportunity to win a championship.
For some teams, it’s clear that they’re a step or two above the rest. The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills proved that on Sunday night with their classic showdown in western New York.
For other teams, Week 1 is a hard look in the mirror and potentially a sign of what’s to come for the rest of the year. One team took a tough loss to a division rival in their opener, and a former head coach believes they’ve seen enough to make a quarterback change.
Rex Ryan’s Thoughts on Russell Wilson
During Monday’s episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” former NFL head coach Rex Ryan was critical of New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson.
Ryan said that Wilson’s performance in the 21-6 loss was more than enough for head coach Brian Daboll to consider a different direction at the position.
“Russell Wilson can’t play anymore, and I don’t know what the hell you’re doing with him,” Ryan said on Monday, advocating for the Giants to give rookie Jaxson Dart a chance in the starting role.
“There’s never an easy time. Everybody has good players. What are you afraid of? Is it gonna be worse? Hell no. Put him out there, let him go, let him ride, and let’s see.”
Ryan stressed that there’s never a perfect time to bring a player in for their first start, but that a trial by fire could show if Dart has what it takes to be the franchise quarterback New York is desperate for.
“Look, if all of a sudden this guy becomes a real player, which we all assume he will. I think the kid’s got talent. He looked really good — he outplayed Russell Wilson head and shoulders in the preseason,” the former coach added.
Dart entered the season as the third quarterback on New York’s depth chart behind Wilson and fellow veteran Jameis Winston, but many believe that it’s only a matter of time before he assumes the starting role.
Wilson Will Get A Second Chance
The Giants have given their Super Bowl-winning quarterback a vote of confidence for at least one more game, officially announcing him as their starter for Week 2.
Wilson and the Giants will have a chance to bounce back next Sunday with another pivotal divisional game in the NFC East.
This time, they’ll be facing a Dallas Cowboys team that’s also looking for win No. 1 following their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
No NFL team wants to start 0-2 in any fashion, but losing back-to-back divisional games would be devastating to begin the year. A win – especially against a team like Dallas that has had New York’s number in recent years – could be huge.
On the other hand, a loss and another poor performance from Wilson could also mean that Dart is one step closer to taking the starting job.
