The New York Giants are seeking their first win of the season as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
Head coach Brian Daboll has announced a significant change in the starting lineup, with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart set to start in place of veteran Russell Wilson, who will serve as backup. Daboll addressed the media about his expectations for Dart: “I expect him to prepare, I expect him to go out here and get better each time he plays,” said Daboll. “It’s not always going to be perfect, but I do think that he has the right makeup and athleticism. Look, we’re going to do everything we can do to help him be the best player. I know he is as well. It’s not just on one person, it’s on the entire team and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Dart has seen limited action so far this season but impressed during preseason games by completing 32 of 47 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns without an interception over three contests. He also contributed on the ground with six carries for 52 yards and another touchdown.
Reflecting on his development, Dart credited both coaches and teammates: “First of all, credit to the coaches,” said Dart. “Their development with me and growing my knowledge on the ins and outs of the game, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and being able to understand tendencies and how to exploit those tendencies. I think from a knowledge standpoint, I’ve grown a ton. Also, credit to the guys in my room who have been a huge help to me and have shared a lot of wisdom. Those are guys who I’m watching daily and trying to learn from them. I’ve grown a lot in that side of things, and I think the scheme involved in the game plan is really suitable to my abilities. I’m just excited for the opportunity.”
Rookie running back Cam Skattebo will likely see an expanded role after Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s shoulder injury last week against Kansas City provided Skattebo more opportunities on offense. He rushed ten times for 60 yards (6-yard average) and scored a touchdown while forcing seven missed tackles according to Next Gen Stats—a notable performance among NFL rookies this year.
Daboll praised Skattebo’s approach: “Cam is a good young player to coach,” said Daboll Monday. “He runs hard. He makes few mistakes relative to understanding the schematics of things. Instinctive player and made the most of his opportunity.” In addition, Skattebo led Giants receivers last week with six catches for 61 yards.
Left tackle Andrew Thomas returned from injury last week after nearly one year off-field play due to injury concerns; he played 28 snaps without allowing any pressures during pass protection situations before leaving at halftime under a snap count restriction.
On defense, rookie outside linebacker Abdul Carter has shown versatility early in his career by lining up both at linebacker due to injuries elsewhere as well as along defensive line positions through three games so far this season—registering steady pressure numbers behind established veterans Brian Burns (four sacks) and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen commented Thursday: “He put a lot of work in last week to get ready to go and I thought he played well,” Bowen said about Carter’s performance filling multiple roles amid injuries at linebacker positions.
The Giants’ secondary faces perhaps its toughest test yet against Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert—who currently leads NFL quarterbacks with 860 passing yards alongside six touchdowns—and wide receivers Keenan Allen (19 receptions), Quentin Johnston (239 receiving yards), plus Ladd McConkey (15 catches). Giants cornerbacks Paulson Adebo, Cor’Dale Flott, and Dru Phillips lead their team in pass breakups through three games but will need strong performances facing Los Angeles’ diverse receiving corps.
Bowen remarked on Herbert’s form: “He’s playing at a really high level right now,” Bowen said about Herbert’s recent performances against opposing defenses.
