Monday Night Matchup: Can Jaxson Dart Keep Pace with Drake Maye in Foxborough?
When the New York Giants head to Foxborough to face the red-hot New England Patriots on Monday Night Football, the spotlight will be on two young quarterbacks charting very different courses through the NFL. On one side, you’ve got Patriots second-year star Drake Maye, who’s quickly rising into MVP conversations. On the other, there’s rookie Jaxson Dart - fresh out of concussion protocol and looking to prove he belongs on the same field.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a duel of equals - not yet. Maye is leading a 10-2 Patriots team that’s won nine straight and looks every bit like a playoff juggernaut.
Dart, meanwhile, is trying to spark a 2-10 Giants squad that’s shown flashes but hasn’t been able to put it all together. But if the Giants are going to have any shot at pulling off another upset - like the one they pulled against the defending champion Eagles on Thursday Night Football - it’ll come down to what Dart can do against a banged-up Patriots defense.
Dart’s Grit Meets the Patriots’ Pressure
Dart’s return from concussion protocol is a major storyline, and so is his ability to handle the pressure - both figuratively and literally. The Patriots defense, while formidable, has shown some cracks recently due to key injuries.
That’s where Dart’s dual-threat ability comes into play. He’s not just a scrambler - he’s a quarterback who can extend plays, keep his eyes downfield, and deliver strikes on the move.
Patriots interim defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr isn’t taking Dart lightly.
“He’s a great player ... he has the will to win for all 60 minutes,” Kuhr said this week. “He’s just the ultimate competitor.
You can see that on film. He’s taken those hits ... but he’s accurate, elusive, a great scrambler, and keeps his eyes downfield.”
That’s high praise from a team that’s seen its fair share of talented quarterbacks this season. And it’s not just lip service - New England has struggled at times against mobile quarterbacks, especially when the pocket breaks down. Dart’s ability to improvise could be a real challenge for a defense that thrives on structure and discipline.
The key for the Patriots will be generating consistent pressure while keeping Dart contained. Let him escape the pocket, and he’ll make you pay. But force him into hurried decisions from inside the pocket, and the rookie tendencies - the mistakes, the forced throws - are more likely to surface.
Can the Giants Establish the Run?
For Dart to really get going, the Giants have to win at the line of scrimmage. If they can control the trenches and establish a credible run game, it opens up the RPOs and play-action concepts that suit Dart’s skill set. That’s how they beat the Eagles - by staying balanced and letting Dart make plays within the flow of the offense.
But that’s a tall order against a Patriots front that, despite some recent injuries, is still one of the most disciplined units in the league. If New England shuts down the run early, it could turn into a long night for Dart, especially if the Giants are forced into obvious passing situations.
Maye’s Moment
While Dart is trying to prove he belongs, Drake Maye is already making a case for stardom. After sitting early in his rookie year, Maye has taken full control of the Patriots offense in Year 2 - and he’s done it with poise, precision, and a knack for the big moment.
Ironically, Maye was a player the Giants reportedly had their eye on during the 2024 NFL Draft. Now, they’ll get a front-row seat to see what they missed. And if recent trends hold, Maye could be in line for his first 300-yard game - especially against a Giants defense that’s struggled to contain explosive plays through the air.
Maye and Dart actually share a lot of traits: athleticism, toughness, and the ability to keep plays alive. Both have dealt with injuries, including time in concussion protocol. But Maye’s decision-making and rhythm within the offense are a step ahead right now - and that could be the difference in a game where every possession matters.
What to Watch For
- Pressure Packages: How will New England disguise pressure to confuse Dart, and can the rookie adjust mid-game?
- QB Mobility: Both Dart and Maye can extend plays - which defense handles the scramble drill better?
- Turnovers: Dart has shown flashes, but he’s also a rookie. If the Patriots force a takeaway or two, it could tilt the game quickly.
- Game Flow: If the Patriots jump out to an early lead, Dart may be forced into catch-up mode - and that’s when mistakes tend to happen.
Game Details
- Date: Monday Night Football
- Location: Gillette Stadium - Foxborough, MA
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: FuboTV
- Betting Line: Patriots -7.5
- Over/Under: 46.5
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a game between two teams at opposite ends of the standings - it’s a snapshot of two quarterbacks at different stages of development. Jaxson Dart has the tools and the toughness, but he’s still learning how to navigate the NFL grind. Drake Maye is already showing signs of being the next franchise cornerstone.
Expect Dart to make some highlight-reel plays - he’s too competitive not to. But also expect growing pains, especially against a team that knows how to close. If the Patriots stay disciplined and force Dart into tough situations, Maye and company should take care of business at home.
Projected Score: Patriots 31, Giants 17.