Sean Payton had some kind words about New York Giants rookie Jackson Dart on Sunday that also served as a subtle dig at Russell Wilson.
The Denver Broncos head coach gave a glowing review of the Giants’ organization after leading his team to a comeback of epic proportions at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo. Payton, who was on the Giants’ coaching staff from 1999 to 2002, also praised Dart for being the “little spark” giving hope to a despondent franchise.
Payton did it while throwing a bit of shade Wilson’s way.
“They found a little spark with that quarterback,” Payton said of Dart. “I was talking to [Giants owner] John Mara not too long ago and I said, ‘we were hoping that that change would’ve happened long after our game.'”
The change Payton was referring to was New York’s decision to replace Wilson with Dart as the team’s QB1. Wilson started all of three games before the Giants crowned Dart the new starter. Payton was implying that game-planning to contain Wilson would have been an easier task.
Dart was indeed a real problem for the Broncos’ defense during Sunday’s game, throwing for 283 yards with three passing touchdowns and another one with his legs. The Broncos needed a historic offensive fourth quarter and a meltdown by the Giants’ kicker to steal a 33-32 victory.
Payton reportedly did not have the greatest relationship with Wilson when the veteran QB was still with the Broncos two seasons ago. While facing an aging Wilson probably would be an easier matchup than an on-the-rise passer like Dart, the statement still felt like a subtle shot from a coach about his former player.
