The New York Giants dropped to 2-11 after a 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots on Monday night, but the scoreboard wasn’t the only thing that raised eyebrows. All eyes were on rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who returned to action after missing two games with a concussion. And if anyone thought Dart might ease his way back into the lineup, maybe slide more, maybe avoid contact-well, Dart had other plans.
Early in the game, Dart took two punishing hits that had fans holding their breath. The second one, delivered by Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss, was the kind of collision that makes you wince even on replay.
Dart was scrambling down the sideline when Elliss launched into him, sending the rookie airborne. That hit didn’t just shake up Dart-it sparked a brief scuffle between the two teams, with Giants tight end Theo Johnson getting flagged for escalating the situation.
It was a moment that captured the intensity of the game and the mindset of the young quarterback. Dart isn’t shying away from contact-he’s embracing it.
After the game, Dart was asked if he planned to adjust his style of play in light of the hits he’s taken, especially coming off a head injury. His response was as blunt as his playing style: “I understand the question, but this is football,” he said.
“I'm going to get hit if I'm in the pocket or outside the pocket. I've played this way my whole entire life.
It shouldn't be any shocker to anybody if you've followed along with my career. We're not playing soccer out here.
You're going to get hit, things happen. It's just part of the game."
That quote tells you everything you need to know about Dart. He’s not backing down, and he’s not changing who he is.
The competitive fire is real, and so is the toughness. But that mindset-while admirable-comes with risk.
We’ve seen talented quarterbacks over the years take too many hits early in their careers, and the toll can be significant. Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III are two names that immediately come to mind-both dynamic, both fearless, and both ultimately derailed by injuries that piled up over time. No one’s saying Dart is headed down the same path, but it’s a cautionary tale worth remembering.
For the Giants, the bigger picture is clear: they’ve got a young quarterback who plays with heart and grit, but they’ll need to protect him-not just with better blocking, but maybe with some tough conversations about longevity and smart decision-making. Because while toughness is a great trait in a quarterback, durability is what builds a career.
Dart’s return was a reminder of what he brings to the table: energy, edge, and a willingness to lay it all on the line. But as the Giants continue to navigate a difficult season, the key will be finding a balance between letting Dart be himself and keeping him upright long enough to grow into the franchise quarterback they hope he can become.