Jameis Winston may not be the ideal choice for the New York Giants, but he is the quarterback they need right now. With rookie Jaxson Dart out due to a concussion, interim head coach Mike Kafka should name Winston the starter for the upcoming home game against the Green Bay Packers.
Dart”s health is the top priority, and rushing him back onto the field for a struggling team with a 2-8 record does not make sense. The organization recently fired its head coach, and starting Dart could jeopardize his long-term well-being after a mishandled head injury.
Furthermore, there is little justification for starting Russell Wilson. Wilson was instrumental in the Giants” dismal 0-3 start this season, displaying a tendency to hesitate under pressure. His decision to throw the ball away on fourth down in the red zone during a game against the Chiefs exemplified his reluctance to take risks. His latest performance contributed to another defeat in Chicago after Dart left the game.
Fans expecting to see Wilson lead the team to victory on Sunday will likely be disappointed. In contrast, Winston brings a different energy to the field. Known for his unpredictability and explosiveness, he has a track record of pushing the ball downfield and igniting the offense.
Despite the risk of turnovers, which Winston is notorious for, the Giants can no longer keep him on the inactive list as an emergency option. Wilson has also struggled with turnovers this season, throwing three interceptions and fumbling on multiple occasions. His performance has led to a lack of confidence from the coaching staff, as demonstrated by the quick benching and the coaching staff”s actions during games.
The Packers, currently at 5-3-1, have also faced their share of offensive struggles recently, averaging only ten points per game in their last two losses. With their leading tight end Tucker Kraft out due to a torn ACL, they are searching for a new offensive identity.
Winston, while holding a career starting record of 36-51-1, has performed admirably in spot starts over the last few seasons, achieving a .500 record when called upon by the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns. Last season, he threw seven touchdown passes in his first four games with the Browns, showcasing his ability to produce big plays.
Originally signed as an insurance policy in case the Giants did not secure their desired rookie quarterback in the draft, Winston has found himself overlooked after the team selected Dart. With Dart now sidelined and the team”s season spiraling, it is time for Winston to step up and lead.
As the Giants prepare for their matchup against the Packers, it is time to elevate Winston to the starting role and give the fans something to rally behind. Starting him on Sunday is the only logical choice.
