Jaxson Dart Set for Breakout Opportunity as Giants Host Reeling Commanders
It’s been a tough ride for both the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders this season, and Sunday’s NFC East showdown at the Meadowlands is shaping up to be more about pride than playoff positioning. But even in a matchup between two teams deep in the loss column - the Giants riding a seven-game skid and the Commanders dropping eight straight - there’s still something worth watching: Jaxson Dart’s next step.
The Giants’ rookie quarterback is set to make his first home start since Week 9, and while the season hasn’t gone the way Big Blue hoped, this game could mark a turning point for the young signal-caller. Dart’s shown flashes of promise in a tough situation, and with Washington’s defense struggling across the board, he’s got a real shot to put together the kind of performance that starts to shift the narrative.
A Defense in Decline
Washington’s defense, once a strength of the team, has been in free fall. The numbers tell the story: 30th in total yards allowed (382.5 per game), 29th in points allowed (28.0), and 31st in yards allowed per play (6.4).
They’ve forced just three turnovers all season - a shockingly low number in a league that thrives on takeaways. It’s a unit that’s been picked apart week after week, and now they’ll take the field without rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who’s sidelined for this one.
This isn’t the same defense that held the Giants to just six points back in Week 1. Personnel changes, injuries, and inconsistent play-calling have left them vulnerable at every level. And that opens the door for Dart to take advantage.
Dart’s Dual-Threat Potential
Dart has yet to post a 300-yard passing game in his young NFL career, but this might be his best chance yet. He’s got the arm to make big throws downfield, and he’s shown a willingness to use his legs when the pocket breaks down. His career-high in rushing yards sits at 66, but that number could be in jeopardy against a defense that’s struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks.
Even with a depleted receiving corps - the Giants have been without Malik Nabers since Week 4 after the rookie wideout tore his ACL - Dart hasn’t shied away from pushing the ball. He’s been aggressive, sometimes to a fault, but that gunslinger mentality might be exactly what the Giants need to snap their losing streak.
It’s also worth noting that the Giants’ offensive line has shown some signs of improvement in recent weeks, giving Dart just enough time to operate. If the protection holds up and the play-calling leans into his strengths, there’s a real path to a breakout performance.
More Than Just a Stat Line
For Dart, this game isn’t just about numbers - it’s about momentum. Rookie seasons are rarely smooth, especially when you’re thrust into the starting role on a team that’s struggling. But these are the kinds of games where quarterbacks can build confidence, earn trust in the locker room, and start to carve out their identity in the league.
The Giants have been searching for something - anything - to hang their hat on this season. A strong showing from Dart in front of the home crowd could be just that. And while it won’t erase the losses or fix the bigger-picture issues overnight, it could be a sign that the future under center is starting to take shape.
Bottom Line
The Giants and Commanders may be out of the playoff picture, but there’s still plenty at stake on Sunday. For New York, it’s a chance to stop the bleeding and give their fans something to cheer about. For Jaxson Dart, it’s an opportunity to show he belongs - and maybe, just maybe, to light up the stat sheet in the process.
If the Commanders’ defense continues to falter, and Dart keeps playing with the confidence he’s shown in spurts, we could be looking at the first 300-yard game of his career. And if that happens, it won’t just be a personal milestone - it could be the spark the Giants have been waiting for.