Brian Daboll has made it clear that his starting quarterback will be the veteran Russell Wilson, who arrives after spending last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In New York, the franchise hopes his experience can help pave the way for their young prospect, Jaxson Dart.
Daboll trusts his quarterback to guide the team in 2025. Yet, beyond his arm strength and leadership, there is a concern weighing heavily on the staff. Wilson, over his 13 seasons in the NFL, has been sacked more than any other quarterback during that span. The cumulative toll is daunting: 560 sacks since his league debut. For a franchise seeking to rise from the ashes, that number is alarming.
The accumulated punishment is taking its toll
The constant punishment has left a visible mark on Wilson’s game. His recent performances reveal diminishing mobility and declining arm strength, traits that once defined his play. Still, his veteran savvy remains an asset New York wants to capitalize on.
Last year alone, with the Steelers, Wilson was sacked 33 times. His struggles were even more evident during his turbulent tenure with the Denver Broncos. In 2023, he went down 45 times, and in 2022 the number was worse, with 55 sacks, an unpleasant milestone.
These figures not only expose a statistical weakness but also illustrate his reduced ability to evade pressure. Each sack disrupts rhythm, stalls drives, and undermines offensive efficiency. For the Giants, already thin in offensive consistency, this represents a major challenge.
In a recent episode of The Garrett Podell Podcast, the commentator explained why he projects the Giants to finish last in the NFC East. His reasoning centered on Wilson’s decline, although he might not have factored in the surprising news from Dallas about Micah Parsons’ move to Green Bay.
He’ll be 37 this year.”…”Wilson’s absorbed 560 sacks in his 13-year career. That’s far and away the most in NFL history through a player’s first 13 seasons. – Wilson’s just taken too many hits at this point to really kind of maintain any consistency through the bulk of the season.
Podell noted.
The Giants’ search for a franchise quarterback
The Giants’ coaching staff has already committed to building the offense around Wilson. However, should early struggles emerge, they may consider benching him and handing the reins to Jaxson Dart.
Since Eli Manning’s retirement -after leading the team to two Super Bowl victories- the Giants have endured a turbulent search for a successor. Wilson, a former Super Bowl champion himself, offers pedigree and leadership, but age is a stubborn opponent. At 37, the physical decline is undeniable, particularly in a collision-heavy sport like the NFL.
Given this challenging outlook, the offensive line becomes paramount. Protecting Wilson, granting him time in the pocket, and reducing the relentless hits he has endured will be critical. The Giants’ hopes of reviving their fortunes hinge heavily on keeping their veteran quarterback upright and effective.
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