New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll might want to see what type of team he has heading into the 2025 NFL season. There have been a number of changes since last season, when the Giants finished a dismal 3-14.
The Giants made an upgrade at quarterback by signing veteran Russell Wilson in the offseason. Wilson, though, needs a stellar offense to help him lead the Giants to more victories this season.
Daboll gets a second chance to see his players take the field in the preseason when the Giants square off against the New York Jets. The preseason “Battle of New York” kicks off at 7 p.m. Eastern time Saturday, Aug. 16, at MetLife Stadium.
Are Russell Wilson and Other Giants’ Starters Playing Tonight Against the Jets?
When asked about starters playing against the Jets, Daboll was noncommittal Thursday.
“We have an idea,” Daboll said, according to Big Blue View. “We’ll do our meetings at the end of the day and make our decision on what we’re going to do. We’ll do what we think is best for the team.”
In last week’s first preseason game, the Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills 34-25. Wilson and the Giants’ first-team offense only saw the field for the game’s opening series. With it being Week 2 of the preseason schedule, Daboll might leave Wilson out there for a couple of additional series.
“There’s no substitute for tackling, there’s no substitute for cleaning the pocket, no substitute for run after catch when you’re going to get hit, there’s no substitute for being live as a quarterback in the pocket,” Daboll said regarding getting live reps in game situations.
Who Might Be Worth Watching on Giants’ Defense?
Daboll watched his team have a walk-through Thursday ahead of Saturday’s showdown. Once he has consulted with the team’s medical staff about the health of his players, he might have a better idea of who will or will not play.
Rookie Jaxson Dart and veteran Jameis Winston are also in the Giants’ quarterback room this season. Daboll might want to see how they play, especially Dart, in live game action. Wide receiver Malik Nabers could also get first-team reps.
On defense, the Giants are looking for big things out of 2025 NFL Draft first-round pick Abdul Carter, who was selected third overall. Carter, a standout linebacker at Penn State, has made it known he does not consider himself a rookie.
The pass-rush tandem of Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux caused havoc for opponents last season. Carter, though, has a big upside the Giants hope will translate to the field.
The Giants want to improve significantly over last season’s record. It’s time to see if Wilson, Carter and the rest are ready to go.
