Jaxson Dart Isn’t Backing Down - Even as Defenses Zero In
There’s no easing into the NFL when you’re a rookie quarterback, and Jaxson Dart is learning that lesson in real time. But if you think the extra attention from opposing defenses is rattling him, think again.
Dart has already found the end zone seven times with his legs this season - a mark that puts him behind only Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts among quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns. That’s elite company, and it’s clear defenses have taken notice.
But Dart? He’s not blinking.
“Absolutely not,” Dart said when asked if defenses gunning for him changes his approach. “(Georgia coach) Kirby Smart said the exact same thing every time he played against me.
So did (former Alabama coach) Nick Saban. So did every coach that I played in college.
This is nothing new. Just try to go out there and play smart.
Be available for my team.”
That mindset - calm, confident, and battle-tested - is exactly what the Giants need from their young signal-caller. Dart’s mobility has become a legitimate weapon in New York’s offense, and with each game, he’s showing he’s not afraid to take hits if it means making a play.
Last week, Washington’s coaching staff made it clear they were going to test him. They put together video packages for their defense, highlighting how to attack the rookie. The message was simple: if Dart’s on the field, make him feel it.
And feel it he did.
Dart was hit 15 times during the Giants’ 29-21 loss to the Commanders in Week 15. It was a physical, punishing game - and Dart didn’t shy away from it.
“It just gets me excited,” Dart said. “Just as a competitor, you want to go out there and compete.
Obviously, they're acknowledging respect in a way. So I appreciate that.
You want to go out there and play really good for your team. I think any time there are teams that are game-planning and they give respect to a player, I think it’s for a reason.”
That’s a mature perspective from a rookie who’s been thrown into the fire. Dart knows what it means when a defense makes you a focal point - it’s not just about taking hits, it’s about earning them.
The Giants do the same thing when they prep for opposing stars. It’s a sign of respect, and Dart is embracing it.
Still, the physical toll is real. Dart briefly left Sunday’s game in the fourth quarter to undergo a concussion evaluation after one of those hits. He was cleared and returned just two plays later, but the moment was a reminder of how thin the line can be for mobile quarterbacks.
This wasn’t an isolated incident, either. Dart has now been pulled for concussion checks five times in his last 10 games.
He missed two games last month after suffering a confirmed concussion against the Bears in Week 10. It’s a concerning trend, and one the Giants will have to monitor closely as they continue to develop their young quarterback.
Now, Dart and the 2-12 Giants turn their attention to Saturday’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, who come in at 6-8 under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Flores is known for dialing up pressure, and you can bet he’ll have something cooked up for Dart.
The rookie’s already shown he can take the hits. The next step? Turning that toughness into wins.