Monday Night Mayhem: Jaxson Dart Returns, Takes Another Big Hit in Fiery Patriots-Giants Clash
Jaxson Dart’s return to the field was one of the big storylines heading into Monday Night Football, and it didn’t take long for the rookie quarterback to find himself at the center of the action - and the controversy.
Jaxson Dart gets rocked and a fight pic.twitter.com/hOqkBChhds
— Giants Nation Show (@GiantsNationPod) December 2, 2025
Back under center for the Giants after missing time with a concussion, Dart was looking to shake off the rust and reassert himself as the future of the franchise. But just minutes into his first game since November 9, he absorbed another massive hit - and this one lit a fire under both sidelines.
The night started with a bang for the Patriots, who struck first on a punt return touchdown by Marcus Jones. That set the tone early, and when Dart and the Giants' offense took the field, the rookie was clearly eager to respond.
Facing a second-and-13, Dart scrambled out of the pocket and turned upfield, showing off the mobility that’s become a key part of his game. He sprinted toward the sideline, trying to stretch for the first down marker - but that’s when he got leveled.
Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss met Dart with a punishing blow just as the quarterback approached the boundary. Dart was launched out of bounds, and the Giants’ sideline erupted. Several of his teammates immediately confronted Elliss, and the scene quickly devolved into a shoving match between both teams.
Once the dust settled, the officials reviewed the hit and ruled it legal. Replay confirmed that Dart was still in bounds when Elliss made contact - a bang-bang play, but ultimately clean by the letter of the rulebook.
Still, emotions were running high. Giants tight end Theo Johnson, one of the first to go after Elliss, was flagged for a personal foul in the aftermath.
This wasn’t just a highlight-reel hit - it was another reminder of the physical toll Dart has been taking this season. His toughness isn’t in question, but his availability is starting to become a concern.
Monday marked the fourth time he’s been evaluated for a concussion this year, and he just returned from a two-game absence due to head injury protocol. That’s a troubling trend for a player the Giants are hoping to build around.
Dart’s aggressive playing style - extending plays, fighting for every yard - is part of what makes him so exciting. But it also puts him in harm’s way.
On this play, had he stepped out of bounds just a beat earlier, he might’ve avoided the hit entirely. Instead, he got rocked, and the Giants nearly lost their quarterback again.
It’s a tough balance for any young QB: knowing when to go all-out and when to live to fight another down. Dart is still learning that, and Monday night was a hard lesson served with a side of sideline fireworks.
An electric - and chaotic - start to what turned into a physical, emotional Monday night showdown.