Giants All-Pro Out After Jaxson Dart Update vs. Commanders

The New York Giants’ latest attempts to rebuild have already hit a stumbling block, thanks to the news All-Pro, left tackle Andrew Thomas will miss Week 1’s game against NFC East rivals the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on Sunday, September 7, when the Giants plan to introduce rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart via “a package of plays,” according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Dart is primed to take some reps away from 36-year-old designated starter Russell Wilson. It’s happening because, as Garafolo says, “three impressive showings from Dart in the preseason convinced the team he’s ready for regular-season action.

However, Garafolo also noted “There’s no guarantee head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will employ the plays for Dart, who completed 32 of 47 passes for 372 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the preseason. Much will depend on game flow, situational strategy and how starter Russell Wilson performs in his first game as the Giants’ starter.”

No matter how the Giants use their quarterbacks, no Thomas in the lineup spells trouble. His absence was made official when the Giants released the list of inactive players, per Giants.com Managing Editor Dan Salomone.

Thomas is the best offensive lineman on the Giants’ roster. His absence, having failed to overcome a foot injury that required offseason surgery, automatically weakens an already suspect line expected to protect Wilson and make the sub-packages the Giants have ready for Dart work.

The new quarterback cohort for the Giants trying to keep pace with Commanders superstar QB Jayden Daniels isn’t the only factor to watch out for in this divisional clash.

Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart Plan Will Define Giants

Wilson’s career stalled with the Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers, so he needs a fast start to life with the Giants. The 10-time Pro Bowler is still a deep passer to be feared, but Daboll and Kafka are already hedging their bets with Dart.

So much so, the Commanders have even made contingency plans for facing Dart, according to Duggan’s colleague Dianna Russini. She reported, “This past week, the Washington defense schemed for both quarterbacks — just in case Daboll decides to give the rookie some live action. We might not actually see Dart on Sunday, but the Giants have been throwing everything at him.”

Daboll is under pressure from ownership to win now, so he won’t hesitate to turn to a first-round talent, even as more than a sub-package changeup, if Wilson falters. The veteran will struggle to stop that from happening without Thomas for protection.

Andrew Thomas Problem Makes Beating History Tougher/Easier for Giants

The Giants are trying to avoid making unwanted history with a third-straight lopsided loss in their regular season opener. That task just got a lot harder/easier after the news about Thomas.

He’s the most accomplished blocker in a Giants uniform, somebody who can lock down one side of the line. The same things can’t be said about likely replacement James Hudson III, a four-year pro with just 17 starts to his credit.

The 26-year-old lacks experience, but Hudson is “next up at LT despite Marcus Mbow’s promising preseason,” according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic.

Hudson is in for a rough time trying to subdue future Hall of Famer Von Miller and other menacing members of Washington’s pass rush. Including blitzing rover Frankie Luvu, who will be even more effective with Miller garnering attention.

Helping Hudson is just one piece of the puzzle for the Giants. Daboll and Kafka need to keep the Commanders guessing, which explains their risky gameplan at football’s most important position.

Wilson and Dart will both need to quickly connect with his most-gifted playmaker, who owes Daniels and the Commanders some payback.

Malik Nabers Has Revenge On His Mind vs. Jayden Daniels

Going to star wide receiver Malik Nabers early and often is how the Giants spring an upset. Nabers burned the Commanders for 10 catches, 127 yards and his first pro touchdown the last time these two teams met at Northwest Stadium.

A Wilson and Nabers connection can replicate those numbers. Especially when Nabers owes his formet LSU teammate Daniels a little something.

The Giants went 0-2 against the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, but Nabers revealed to Kay Adams on the Up & Adams Show, he’s told Daniels, “Imma get you back.”

Nabers having a big day is the only way the Giants can keep pace with Daniels. The latter’s dual-threat brilliance is the main reason why the Commanders are heavy favorites.

Giants Have Earned 6.5-Point Underdog Status vs. ‘Young Joe Montana’

The Giants being underdogs is hardly a surprise when the team has won just nine games the last two seasons and started each of those campaigns in miserable fashion. That recent history informed the odds put out by FanDuel, but so did Daniels instantly turning the Commanders into contenders.

He’s a running and passing sensation, who plays beyond his years. Just ask Giants great Leonard Marshall.

The two-time Super Bowl-winning former defensive end told Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News on Talkin’ Ball how Daniels is a “young Joe Montana.” That’s high praise for a second-year signal-caller Marshall believes is already a “field general.”

Daniels was the difference in both meetings last season, but this year’s Giants reloaded their pass rush with No. 3 pick Abdul Carter and versatile former Dallas Cowboys edge Chauncey Golston.

Big Blue now has the weapons on both sides of the ball to be more than just a walkover for the Commanders. If Wilson and Nabers click early, and the Thomas-less O-line holds up, an upset will be brewing.

Joe Flacco’s Devastating Admission – “This Will Hold the Browns Back in 2025!”

In a candid and startling admission, former NFL quarterback Joe Flacco has raised serious concerns about the Cleveland Browns’ future after their crushing loss to the Bengals. Flacco, who has had his fair share of struggles and triumphs in the league, didn’t hold back, calling out the critical flaw in the Browns’ current setup that could derail their 2025 season.

“This team is set up for failure unless they fix this now,” Flacco bluntly stated after the loss. “They’ve got a lot of talent, but they need something more – something they’re clearly missing right now. If they don’t address this issue fast, they’re not going to make the playoffs, let alone contend for a championship.”

Flacco’s words have sent shockwaves through the Browns’ fanbase and analysts alike. After a disappointing start to the season, the Browns’ weaknesses have become glaringly obvious, and Flacco believes that unless they make immediate changes, their playoff hopes will slip away. “This isn’t about having a strong roster; it’s about fixing the fundamentals,” he continued. “They need to get their act together and stop making excuses.”

Despite a roster full of potential, the Browns have yet to show they can capitalize on their star players. Quarterback Deshaun Watson’s struggles, coupled with inconsistent play from the offensive line, have left many questioning whether the team is ready to take the next step.

“The clock is ticking for Cleveland,” said an NFL analyst. “If they can’t figure out what Joe Flacco is talking about, they’ll be stuck in the same rut, unable to fulfill the promise of their talent.”

As 2025 draws near, the Browns’ fate could very well depend on whether they can address these critical issues before it’s too late. Will they rise to the challenge, or will Flacco’s prediction prove to be true?

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