Apologies – for now – to Giants QB Russell Wilson after big day in wild loss to Cowboys
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Apologies – for now – to Giants QB Russell Wilson after big day in wild loss to Cowboys
Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
·
3 min read
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In what has become a rite of passage in Sundays in the fall, theNew York Giantsinexplicably lost a game they were winning in the final moments, this time to theDallas Cowboys,40-37, in an overtime finish that featured six lead changes from the fourth quarter on.
The difference, however, was the success of the passing attack. QuarterbackRussell Wilsonput up 450 yards through the air on 30-of-41 passing with three touchdowns, one week after the media – this author squarely included – said he should lose his job.
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His patented "moon balls" were as beautiful as a waning crescent that angles the sky perfectly. According to NextGen Stats, Wilson has completed 7 of 9 deep passes for 264 yards, the most deep passing yards in a game in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016). He found receivers Wan'Dale Robinson andMalik Nabersfor touchdowns of 32 and 48 yards, respectively, within the final three minutes.
So, sorry, Russ. If that feels like a half-hearted apology, well, it sorta is. The statistics looked sexy. OnlyEli Manning, Phil Simms and Y.A. Tittle have thrown for more yards inGiantshistory. But the sustainability of such an attack, one that can't run the ball, while putting a defense that clearly can't hold up on the back foot, is dubious. Just look at the 2024Pittsburgh Steelers. It's certainly a step in the right direction. But a celebration? Save the party hats and streamers.
Nov. 27, 2010: North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Russell Wilson (16) is pressured Maryland Terrapins lineman Isaiah Ross (56) at Byrd Stadium. Wilson played three seasons at NC State before transferring to Wisconsin.
(Mitch Stringer, US PRESSWIRE)
Oct. 1, 2011: Russell Wilson leaves the field after Wisconsin's 48-17 win over Nebraska at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(John Gress, Getty Images)
Dec. 30, 2012: Russell Wilson is introduced before a game against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field.
(Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY Sports)
Jan. 27, 2013:Russell Wilson attempts to elude Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) in the 2013 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. The NFC defeated the AFC, 62-25.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
Feb. 2, 2014: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson runs the ball as Denver Broncos defensive end Robert Ayers (91) pursues during the first half of Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium.
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
Feb. 2, 2014: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. Seattle Seahawks won the game, 43-8.
(Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
May 21, 2014: Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen, cornerback Richard Sherman, quarterback Russell Wilson and wide receiver Doug Baldwin present U.S. President Barack Obama with an honorary "12th man flag" at a ceremony honoring the Super Bowl XLVIII champions in the East Room at The White House.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)
July 11, 2014: Seattle Sounders FC defender DeAndre Yedlin and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson pose for a photo prior to the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field.
(Steven Bisig, USA TODAY Sports)
Sept. 21, 2014: Russell Wilson celebrates with Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch after a touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos at CenturyLink Field.
(Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY Sports)
Jan. 18, 2015: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson holds the George Halas trophy following the 28-22 overtime victory against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship game at CenturyLink Field.
(Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY Sports)
Feb. 1, 2015: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson runs with the ball against the New England Patriots in the first quarter of Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
Feb. 1, 2015: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady greets Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson after the Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
Nov.11, 2018: Russell Wilson runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)
Jan. 25, 2019: NFC Pro Bowl quarterbacks Russell Wilson (3), Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys and Mitchell Trubisky of the Chicago Bears pose during NFC practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
July 10, 2019: Russell Wilson and Ciara arrive on the red carpet at Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles for the ESPY Awards ceremony.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
Nov. 12, 2019: Russell Wilson and wife Ciara hold a scarf during the MLS Cup champions parade for the Seattle Sounders. In 2019, Wilson and Ciara joined the ownership group for the Major League Soccer franchise.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
Dec. 26, 2021: Russell Wilson looks to pass against the Chicago Bears at Lumen Field.
(Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY Sports)
Feb. 10, 2022: Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara appears on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors awards presentation at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
March 6, 2022: Russell Wilson poses for a selfie with his sister, Stanford Cardinal guard Anna Wilson (3), and Ciara after the 2022 Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament championship game. Anna Wilson scored five points as Stanford defeated Utah, 73-48, to win the conference title.
(Kirby Lee/USA Today)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a touchdown pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth (not pictured) against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium, Jan. 4, 2025.
(Barry Reeger, Imagn Images)
Russell Wilson and Ciara arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscars party after the 97th Academy Awards, in Beverly Hills, California, March 2, 2025.
(Danny Moloshok, REUTERS)
Football quarterback Russell Wilson arrives for the 32nd annual ceremony of the ESPY Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, July 11, 2024.
(UNIQUE NICOLE, AFP via Getty Images)
Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers takes to the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium on December 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(Justin Berl, Getty Images)
Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs embrace after the game at Acrisure Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(Joe Sargent, Getty Images)
(L-R) Russell Wilson and Ciara attend Michael Rubin's 2025 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at The Sugar Mill on February 08, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
(Cindy Ord, Getty Images for Fanatics)
New York Giants quarterbacks Russell Wilson (3), Jaxson Dart (6) and Tommy DeVito (15) perform drills together during Mandatory Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Giants Training Center in East Rutherford on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
(Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com, Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels greets New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson after the game at Northwest Stadium on Sept. 7, 2025.
(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-Imagn Images)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson passes against Dallas Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku.
(Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sept. 21, 2025.
(Robert Deutsch, Imagn Images)
1/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Nov. 27, 2010: North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Russell Wilson (16) is pressured Maryland Terrapins lineman Isaiah Ross (56) at Byrd Stadium. Wilson played three seasons at NC State before transferring to Wisconsin.
(Mitch Stringer, US PRESSWIRE)
1/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Nov. 27, 2010: North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Russell Wilson (16) is pressured Maryland Terrapins lineman Isaiah Ross (56) at Byrd Stadium. Wilson played three seasons at NC State before transferring to Wisconsin.
(Mitch Stringer, US PRESSWIRE)
2/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Oct. 1, 2011: Russell Wilson leaves the field after Wisconsin's 48-17 win over Nebraska at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
(John Gress, Getty Images)
3/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Dec. 30, 2012: Russell Wilson is introduced before a game against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field.
(Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY Sports)
4/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Jan. 27, 2013:Russell Wilson attempts to elude Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) in the 2013 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. The NFC defeated the AFC, 62-25.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
5/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Feb. 2, 2014: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson runs the ball as Denver Broncos defensive end Robert Ayers (91) pursues during the first half of Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium.
(Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports)
6/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Feb. 2, 2014: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. Seattle Seahawks won the game, 43-8.
(Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
7/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
May 21, 2014: Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen, cornerback Richard Sherman, quarterback Russell Wilson and wide receiver Doug Baldwin present U.S. President Barack Obama with an honorary "12th man flag" at a ceremony honoring the Super Bowl XLVIII champions in the East Room at The White House.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)
8/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
July 11, 2014: Seattle Sounders FC defender DeAndre Yedlin and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson pose for a photo prior to the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field.
(Steven Bisig, USA TODAY Sports)
9/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Sept. 21, 2014: Russell Wilson celebrates with Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch after a touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos at CenturyLink Field.
(Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY Sports)
10/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Jan. 18, 2015: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson holds the George Halas trophy following the 28-22 overtime victory against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship game at CenturyLink Field.
(Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY Sports)
11/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Feb. 1, 2015: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson runs with the ball against the New England Patriots in the first quarter of Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
12/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Feb. 1, 2015: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady greets Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson after the Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
13/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Nov.11, 2018: Russell Wilson runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)
14/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Jan. 25, 2019: NFC Pro Bowl quarterbacks Russell Wilson (3), Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys and Mitchell Trubisky of the Chicago Bears pose during NFC practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
15/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
July 10, 2019: Russell Wilson and Ciara arrive on the red carpet at Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles for the ESPY Awards ceremony.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
16/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Nov. 12, 2019: Russell Wilson and wife Ciara hold a scarf during the MLS Cup champions parade for the Seattle Sounders. In 2019, Wilson and Ciara joined the ownership group for the Major League Soccer franchise.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
17/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Dec. 26, 2021: Russell Wilson looks to pass against the Chicago Bears at Lumen Field.
(Joe Nicholson, USA TODAY Sports)
18/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Feb. 10, 2022: Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara appears on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors awards presentation at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
19/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
March 6, 2022: Russell Wilson poses for a selfie with his sister, Stanford Cardinal guard Anna Wilson (3), and Ciara after the 2022 Pac-12 Women's Basketball Tournament championship game. Anna Wilson scored five points as Stanford defeated Utah, 73-48, to win the conference title.
(Kirby Lee/USA Today)
20/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a touchdown pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth (not pictured) against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium, Jan. 4, 2025.
(Barry Reeger, Imagn Images)
21/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Russell Wilson and Ciara arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscars party after the 97th Academy Awards, in Beverly Hills, California, March 2, 2025.
(Danny Moloshok, REUTERS)
22/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Football quarterback Russell Wilson arrives for the 32nd annual ceremony of the ESPY Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, July 11, 2024.
(UNIQUE NICOLE, AFP via Getty Images)
23/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers takes to the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium on December 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(Justin Berl, Getty Images)
24/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs embrace after the game at Acrisure Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
(Joe Sargent, Getty Images)
25/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
(L-R) Russell Wilson and Ciara attend Michael Rubin's 2025 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at The Sugar Mill on February 08, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
(Cindy Ord, Getty Images for Fanatics)
26/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
New York Giants quarterbacks Russell Wilson (3), Jaxson Dart (6) and Tommy DeVito (15) perform drills together during Mandatory Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Giants Training Center in East Rutherford on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
(Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com, Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
27/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels greets New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson after the game at Northwest Stadium on Sept. 7, 2025.
(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-Imagn Images)
28/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson passes against Dallas Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku.
(Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
29/29
Russell Wilson retires after a remarkable NFL career
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sept. 21, 2025.
(Robert Deutsch, Imagn Images)
Nonetheless, the accuracy returned after a 17-for-37 end-zone-less showing Week 1 against theWashington Commanders. Making his second Giants' start, Wilson appeared much more comfortable behind a still-shaky offensive line and picked apart the Cowboys' secondary until it mattered most.
Wilson was on his way to a career high in passing yards (452), but his last completion went four minus-four yards on first down in overtime. On second down, he and Nabers were not on the same page – Cowboys safetyDonovan Wilsoncould have set up a folding chair as Wilson's pass hung in the air before he caught it for an interception. Earier in overtime, he nearly fumbled the game away but the ball luckily bounced out of bounds.
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Dallas kickerBrandon Aubreynailed a game-winning 46-yard field goal after his 64-yard connection tied the game at 37 to send it to overtime.
Were it not for Aubrey's clutch kicks, the overall tone of the result – either a victory or tie – is obviously better.
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes the ball against Dallas Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (41) during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Cowboys, meanwhile, avoided the dreaded 0-2 start. The secondary clearly has holes, but owner and general manager Jerry Jones has to be pleased with his defense's performance against the run over its first two games. And the air-raid attack led by quarterback Dak Prescott (38-for-52, two touchdowns, one interception) has a better shot of being a season-long success compared to the Giants' attempt to run it.
