The New York Giants are back at 0-2. While the record alone is enough to make any fan base restless, in this market, the situation demands some nuance.
Their most recent loss came in the form of a 40-37 overtime thriller against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, easily the most exciting contest of Week 2. And even though the scoreboard didn’t tilt their way, the performance provided more answers than questions, particularly under center.
Russell Wilson, the 35-year-old veteran brought in to bridge the gap to the future, showed he still has something left in the tank, tossing for 450 yards and three touchdowns. That included a 48-yard strike to rookie Malik Nabers in the final minute that briefly put New York in front. That moment alone reminded fans why Wilson was signed: to give this team a chance to compete while first-round pick Jaxson Dart continues to grow into the role of franchise quarterback.
Russell Wilson's 450 yards in Week 2 puts him in the lead 🚀 pic.twitter.com/IEWuetrBJq
— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2025
Week 2 performance shows Giants picked the right QB plan
Of course, the night wasn’t spotless. Wilson’s lone interception in overtime proved costly, setting up the Cowboys’ game-winning drive. That mistake was glaring, but it also came after four quarters of resilient play and served as a reminder that he can still make high-level throws and extend plays in critical moments.
For a team navigating the balance between winning now and preparing for the future, that matters.
Heading into Week 2, one of the biggest talking points was how long the Giants could afford to wait before giving Dart his shot. The answer, at least for now, is clearer: patience is the best path forward. Dart doesn’t need to be rushed into a situation where he’s carrying a franchise at 22 years old.
The organization drafted him knowing he would benefit from a developmental runway, and Wilson’s ability to keep the offense productive buys them exactly that.
The 0-2 start is far from ideal, but context, as always, is everything. A one-score overtime loss on the road against a division rival looks different than a blowout. This wasn’t a lifeless performance from a team in disarray -- it was a heavyweight fight where the Giants came up just short. Nabers looked every bit the superstar that he's already become, Wilson played inspired football, and the offense proved it can put up points in bunches. That’s a far cry from the “panic button” territory some might expect from a 0-2 start.
New York’s defense, however, remains a concern. Considering the talent that is evident at all three levels, giving up 40 points in any game puts immense pressure on the offense to be nearly perfect. If there’s an area to scrutinize, it’s not Wilson’s hold on the starting job, but rather how the defensive unit can tighten up against top-tier competition.
On top of the struggles against Dallas, a peek back to a Week 1 loss to Washington saw the Giants' vaunted defensive front allow over 200 yards on the ground. Simply, it's not good enough.
The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, and the Giants are still figuring out how all their pieces fit together. Wilson’s play in Week 2 suggested he deserves more time to lead, while Dart continues to learn in the background. For now, that’s the most logical course of action.
New York's next attempt to get on the right side of the column will come in a home test (on Sunday Night Football) against Patrick Mahomes and the three-time reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3.