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The Denver Broncos no longer have to deal with the media circus around 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson. He is now the New York Giants’ starter, but faces questions about how long that should last after just one game with his new team.

Wilson’s situation is playing out very publicly just as it did with the Broncos in 2022 and 2023.

Only this time, his fall from favor could be happening at a breakneck pace compared to how things unfolded in Denver.

Calls for Ex-Broncos QB Russell Wilson’s Benching Start

Wilson completed 17 of 37 passes (45.9%) for 168 yards with 0 touchdowns or interceptions in Week 1. The line came in a 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders. That showing was enough to bring out the detractors.

“Russell Wilson looks like the worst quarterback in the NFL right now,” NFL blogger John Frascella posted on X.

Even Commanders coverage noted Wilson’s struggles during the contest.

“The Giants are absolutely wasting their time with Russell Wilson,” You Better, You Bet’s Nick Kostos posted on X on September 7. “Just play [rookie first-round pick Jaxson] Dart.”

Former NFL Player Rips Russell Wilson

Former NFL cornerback Bryant McFadden, now an analyst for CBS Sports, believes the “leash” on Wilson, who is on his fourth team in the past five seasons after spending 2024 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, “should be extremely short.”

“If you’re [Giants head coach] Brian Daboll, I don’t know how long you could sit and just watch what we watched today. There’s no creativity in the offense, and you have a quarterback who’s not a playmaker. When you have concerns of the offensive line, it’s imperative to have a potential playmaker at the quarterback position. A guy who can extend plays by a little time to help the offensive linemen out. You could say whatever you want to say about Daniel Jones, and what did not work out when he was there in New York. One thing he did do was extend plays, given the opportunity,” McFadden said on “CBS Sports HQ” on September 7.

“Wilson … is who he is. He is a sitting duck sitting in the pocket, with no aspirations of trying to avoid defenders. That’s why he’s an easy target when he is back there, and you don’t see Malik Nabers looking like Malik Nabers during his rookie campaign. You don’t see some of the other guys making plays because their quarterback is not a playmaker.”

Despite Wilson’s struggles, the Giants could stick with the former Broncos and current Giants team captain.

That decision would not sit well with McFadden, who warned of potential locker room angst.

“It’s not like they played against the Baltimore Ravens or San Francisco 49ers – a team that has been known to rush the passer. They played against the Commanders. There should be an opportunity for Russell to generate some things,” McFadden said. “Even though the office was stagnant for four quarters, they still was in this ballgame in the end of the fourth quarter. The defense got tired.

“This could really tear up the locker room if change is not made sooner [rather] than later, if you don’t see a different production.”

Giants HC Brian Daboll Raises Eyebrows With Russell Wilson Comments

Amid the push for the ex-Broncos QB, Wilson’s, benching heading into Week 2 in favor of Dart, Daboll expressed his confidence in the veteran. Some viewed his comments as unconvincing, though.

Rather than put the blame on Wilson, Daboll said they would review the game film and that everyone must do better moving forward. He also included himself in that.

He would not confirm Wilson would start in Week 2, though, leading to further questioning.

“We’re talking about after every game,” Daboll noted to reporters postgame after being pressed. “I got confidence in Russ. So, we’re going to go back, we’ll evaluate the tape. This game isn’t on Russell Wilson. It’s not on Russell Wilson. I’m going to make that clear. So, I have confidence in Russ. We got to do a better job all the way around.”

Ever the optimist, Wilson expressed confidence in the team and noted that the contest was within reach throughout.

Wilson and the Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. Dallas is coming off a 24-20 loss to the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles in their opener. Whether or not the former Broncos star, Wilson, will be under center is unknown.