New York Giants fans fell for fool's gold once again. After a preseason in which the Giants went undefeated and the offense looked like an unstoppable juggernaut, the team fell flat once again when the games actually mattered. The Giants lost 21-6 to the rival Washington Commanders, and it is now three consecutive season openers that New York hasn't scored a touchdown.
Given the lackluster play of the offense as a whole, there were calls for head coach Brian Daboll to bench quarterback Russell Wilson for rookie Jaxson Dart, who shined throughout the preseason. The obvious thinking behind it was that Dart would provide a spark. But that's not happening with this current iteration of the offensive line and without starting left tackle Andrew Thomas.
On Monday, Daboll announced that Wilson would remain the starting quarterback in Week 2 for their game against the Dallas Cowboys. That's understandable that he wants to stick with the veteran option and give him another chance to prove himself. But Daboll is going about this the wrong way, as he said that he didn't expect making any changes along the offensive line. So, in all likelihood, the same players will start in the same spots. That's simply inexcusable by Daboll.
Brian Daboll also didn’t expect any changes up front with the Giants offensive line for Week 2 vs. Cowboys.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) September 8, 2025
Brian Daboll sticking with Giants offensive line from Week 1 will backfire tremendously in Week 2
The Giants offensive line, as a whole, underperformed. And this was supposedly after the team finally had decent depth. If there was one player who stood out for the worst, it was James Hudson.
Due to Thomas still recovering from a Lisfranc injury, the Giants decided to plug in Hudson, who the team signed to a two-year, $12 million contract in the offseason. Hudson wasn't exactly a positive during the preseason, and unsurprisingly, Hudson struggled against the Commanders. A ton.
Let's start off by saying that Hudson didn't allow a sack, which is shocking considering looking at his other numbers, courtesy of Pro Football Focus. On 68 snaps, Hudson allowed six pressures, four quarterback hurries, and two quarterback hits. That's just not good, especially since he is responsible for protecting Wilson's blind side.
If you wanted a visual example, take a look at this play. Hudson is No. 55.
James Hudson just got absolutely WORKED.... pic.twitter.com/wNZOjOzXsd
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) September 7, 2025
Considering Hudson's play and how outmatched he looked, you would think the G-Men would want to turn to rookie Marcus Mbow, who looked phenomenal in the preseason. In three preseason games, Mbow, the fifth-round pick out of Purdue, allowed just six pressures, three quarterback hurries, and three quarterback hits, and zero sacks in 128 snaps. Considering how much of a bright spot he was, you would think that he would get some significant playing time this year, especially with Thomas injured. But the player who is signed to a $12 million contract got the start instead and was a hindrance to the offense.
The interior of the offensive line wasn't much better. Guard Jon Runyan allowed three pressures and a sack, while center John Michael Schmitz allowed two pressures, each on 68 snaps.
The Giants really better hope that Thomas is ready to go for the Cowboys game. If not, it will be Hudson once again at left tackle. It should be an easier outing for him, considering Dallas doesn't have Micah Parsons anymore. Another bad game should seal the deal for Hudson. But giving Mbow a start would be wise for Daboll, just to see if he can give Wilson some time in the pocket.
But not making any changes along the offensive front is a serious problem.