The New York Giants faced a disappointing defeat on September 24, 2023, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs 22-9 in their home opener at MetLife Stadium. The loss marked the Giants’ third consecutive defeat this season, leaving fans frustrated and vocal about their dissatisfaction. Coach Brian Daboll acknowledged the boos aimed at quarterback Russell Wilson, stating, “I’d be booing too… that’s the nature of it. We gotta be better.”
This season was expected to show improvement following a dismal 3-14 record last year. Instead, the Giants have started 0-3, and the pressure has intensified on Wilson, who was brought in to stabilize the quarterback position. During the game, the offense managed only 281 yards, prompting the home crowd to express their displeasure even before halftime.
Chants of “We Want Dart!” echoed in the stadium, calling for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to replace Wilson. Dart had taken the field briefly in a specialized package aimed at enhancing the Giants’ performance in red zone situations. Upon returning to the field, Wilson was met with more boos, indicating the growing frustrations of the fans.
“Yeah, there are highs and lows and always tough moments,” Wilson said after the game. “You know, you got to have thick skin… We needed one or two big plays. Unfortunately, they didn’t come our way.” Wilson completed 18 of 32 passes for 160 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. This performance starkly contrasted with his previous week’s display, where he threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys.
The chants for Dart intensified following Wilson’s second interception, which occurred when the game was tied at 6-6 with less than a minute remaining in the first half. Dart, who is still acclimating to his role, expressed his desire to support Wilson and the team. “I’m just trying to be a really good teammate,” Dart stated. “It’s hard when the offense isn’t playing up to standard.”
Daboll refrained from confirming whether Wilson would start in the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers, maintaining a consistent stance on not disclosing player statuses post-game. This uncertainty adds to the tension surrounding the Giants, particularly after they drafted Dart and positioned him as the backup.
Defensive players echoed the sentiment of discontent from fans but remained focused on improving their performance. Outside linebacker Brian Burns remarked, “I love the fans… but it’s an emotional thing. You know what I’m saying? I don’t blame them… but it can flip on him.”
Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence shared similar feelings, acknowledging the pressure but emphasizing the need for the team to make critical plays. “We haven’t done that yet,” he noted. “When we do that, we’ll take off.”
The Giants now face a pivotal week as they prepare to host the Chargers, with fans hoping for a turnaround in their fortunes. The call for change, whether through player rotations or strategic adjustments, has never been more pronounced as the team grapples with the challenges of the current season.
