The New York Giants wrapped up Week 13 under the Monday night lights in Foxborough, and let’s just say-it wasn’t the kind of night they’ll be eager to revisit. The New England Patriots came out firing and never looked back, controlling the game from start to finish in a one-sided affair that left the Giants searching for answers.
For New York, the night was another tough chapter in a season full of growing pains, especially for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Making his eighth start of the year, Dart stayed under center for all four quarters, even as the game got away from the Giants early. It was a decision that raised some eyebrows, but there’s a clear logic behind it.
Interim head coach Mike Kafka opted to keep Dart in the game-not to chase a comeback, but to give the 22-year-old as many live reps as possible. Development, after all, doesn’t always happen under ideal circumstances. And while pulling him might have minimized injury risk, Kafka clearly saw value in letting his young quarterback battle through the adversity.
Dart, who missed two games earlier this season due to a concussion, was back in action for the first time since that setback. That alone was a positive sign for the Giants.
And while the scoreboard didn’t do him any favors, Dart managed to put together a solid statistical night: 17 completions on 24 attempts, 139 passing yards, and a touchdown. That brings his season totals to 11 passing touchdowns, three interceptions, and seven more scores with his legs-a dual-threat profile that continues to show flashes of promise.
There’s no sugarcoating it-this was a rough outing for the Giants. But the decision to keep Dart in wasn’t about salvaging a win. It was about building experience, testing resilience, and giving a young quarterback the chance to grow through the grind.
Now, the Giants head into a much-needed bye in Week 14. It’s a chance to regroup, reset, and give Dart some time to process what he’s learned through eight starts.
The next challenge? A Week 15 clash with the Washington Commanders.
All eyes will be on Dart again, and with each snap, he’s writing the early pages of what the Giants hope will be a long-term story under center.