I hope you’re sitting down for this. It’s time for an uncomfortable conversation.
After rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart got knocked out of the Giants’ Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears with a concussion, backup quarterback Jameis Winston stepped in for Week 11. It took 11 weeks for Famous Jameis to finally make his Giants debut. And while it wasn’t some frenetic, firework-filled performance fans hoped for, it was solid — and it might’ve opened the door to a bigger conversation.
Winston finished with 201 yards on 19-of-29 passing, added 10 rushing yards and a touchdown, and led the Giants to a competitive 27-20 loss. Then, in the final minute, he unraveled with a backbreaking interception in the end zone (thank Jalin Hyatt for that) and a sack-fumble on a last-second Hail Mary attempt.
Mike Kafka, in his first game as interim head coach, made the right call starting Winston after watching Russell Wilson flounder all year. Brian Daboll never figured that part out, and it cost him his job. Kafka’s choice looked like the right one from the start — and the ripple effects, especially for Dart, might be bigger than anyone wants to admit.
Jameis Winston’s solid start forces Giants’ tough call on Jaxson Dart
Winston played a calm, clean game. He ran Kafka’s offense efficiently, gave them a chance, and looked the part of a capable starter — which brings us right back to Dart.
The 22-year-old is the most important player in the building. It's obvious that he has the talent to be Big Blue's next franchise QB, but protecting that long-term potential matters more than a meaningless push to four or five wins.
Dart’s concussion against Chicago was his fourth evaluation this season. That’s already a major red flag — and the fact that it was mishandled makes it even worse. The rookie clearly showed symptoms, yet somehow wasn’t pulled for a check immediately. Whether it was on the Giants, the NFL spotters, or both, someone blew it by not pulling Dart for evaluation following the hard hit and fumble in Chicago. That just can’t keep happening.
Related: Mike Kafka delivers Jaxson Dart injury update Giants fans needed to hear
At 2-9, this season is done. Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo are already donezo. The team’s already bottoming out. So here’s the move: let Winston keep the reins through their Week 14 bye week, at least... maybe even longer. Dart shouldn’t be rushed back.
As for Famous Jameis, he’ll at least make the games more bearable and watchable than Russ ever could. If you’re going to tank into the top pick, which is where the trade-back value is, you might as well do it with someone who keeps things interesting, while keeping the future of the franchise safe.