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The New York Giants will start rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, coach Brian Daboll announced Wednesday, benching veteran Russell Wilson after the team's winless start to the season.
The decision marks a significant shift for the Giants, who selected Dart with the 25th overall pick in April's draft. The 22-year-old has appeared in limited action during two games this season but has yet to throw a pass in the NFL.
"All I can tell you is we're going with Jaxson and we're getting ready to play," Daboll told reporters Wednesday. "It's my decision, and we're going with Jaxson."
The coaching change comes as the Giants search for offensive answers following an 0-3 start. The team has managed fewer than 300 total yards in two of their first three contests, prompting the switch at the game's most important position.
Daboll indicated the move represents more than a temporary fix, saying he expected Dart to remain the starter with Wilson serving as his backup. The coach declined to detail his conversations with either player about the decision.
Dart learned of his promotion Tuesday and immediately called his parents with the news. "I'm ready," he said when asked about the opportunity.
The rookie will face immediate pressure against an undefeated Chargers team, but Daboll expressed confidence in his young quarterback's preparation and attitude throughout the early season.
"You put him in there because you think that he's done enough to show you that he can go out there and compete," the coach said. "And he's done that every step of the way."
Daboll acknowledged he wasn't expecting flawless play from the inexperienced signal-caller as he makes his first NFL start.
Wilson, who led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship in the 2013 season, accepted his new role as backup while maintaining his commitment to the organization.
"I'm focused on helping this team win," Wilson said. "I'm focused on helping Jaxson ... I love this organization, I love the process of it all. I love the guys in the locker room. I'm not giving up on us and this season."
The quarterback change represents the latest attempt by the Giants to jumpstart an offense that has struggled to establish rhythm through the season's opening weeks. Sunday's game against Los Angeles will serve as Dart's introduction to NFL starting duties and could determine the team's direction for the remainder of the campaign.
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