For the first time in what feels like forever, New York Giants fans finally had something to smile about. In their preseason opener, the G-Men took down the Buffalo Bills 34-25, and for once, all eyes were on who lined up under center in a good way.
The quarterback room has been one big question mark all offseason, but we finally got a few answers. Yes, it’s preseason, and it doesn’t mean much, but let us have this. New York fans have been starving for competent quarterback play, and we finally got a taste.
Related: It took one preseason game for Giants’ biggest problem to look laughable
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin even put a one-word label on every QB, including all four Big Blue signal-callers. The question now is: Did he get it right?
One word to describe every Giants QB in preseason opener vs Bills
1. Jaxson Dart- Enticing
"Enticing” is fair after getting a first look at Jaxson Dart. The rookie went 12-of-19 for 154 yards and a touchdown, sprinkling in 24 yards on the ground with three rushes. But “enticing” doesn’t quite cover it. The word for Dart’s preseason debut? Hope.
The Giants didn’t just draft Dart in the first round. They traded back in to make sure they got him. That kind of move comes with expectations, and in his very first outing, Dart delivered. He looked calm, confident, and in total control. That touchdown pass? Pure beauty. Let’s just say... Daniel Jones could never.
2. Russell Wilson- Quiet
Not exactly what you want from your supposed QB1, but fair all the same. Russell Wilson completed six of seven passes for just 28 yards. With a stat line like that, the right word for his Giants debut is simple: Jones-esque.
Giants fans have seen this movie before. Short throws at a high completion rate that pad the percentage but do little to move the offense forward. That’s game manager territory, not quarterbacking. Sure, it’s only a tiny sample size, but here’s hoping Wilson shows a willingness to push the ball downfield in the final two preseason games.
3. Jameis Winston- Flashy
Yes. Every positive press about Jameis Winston since he became a Giant is correct. For better or worse, he is one of the most entertaining players in the NFL. Flashy, electric, must-see, GOAT, legend... whatever word you want to use about Winston is accurate. He finished the day 7/11 for 62 yards and a touchdown. Plus, he had the best QB rating out of the four with a 108.9.
Now, Winston is not the answer long term, but he is a must-have in this locker room. There are a lot of reasons the vibes around the Giants organization have been increasing, but don’t get it twisted. The addition of Winston is right toward the top of that list.
Tommy DeVito- Overlooked
Another fair assessment from Benjamin. Tommy DeVito is now the definition of overlooked in this QB room, especially because he played well. 10/14 for 73 yards and a touchdown is nothing to scoff at for the fourth-string QB, no matter who he went against. But if we want to be accurate, the word for DeVito: Traded.
This game from DeVito was nothing more than a stock-raiser. If he shows consistency in the final two games, he could very well be on his way out of New York. We’ll always have his three-week Linsanity run, though.
The four will give it another go Saturday against the Jets, likely looking for similar outcomes. Don't look now, but things could be turning around in East Rutherford.