The New York Giants dropped to 2-11 after a lopsided 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots on Monday night, and while the score was rough, all eyes were on rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in his return to action.
Back under center after missing two games with a concussion suffered against the Bears, Dart wasted no time reminding everyone of his aggressive style - for better or worse. If anyone expected the rookie to ease back into things, maybe slide a little more, maybe avoid contact? That wasn’t in Dart’s game plan.
Early in the first half, Dart took a couple of shots that had Giants fans collectively holding their breath. The second hit, in particular, was the kind that makes you wince.
Dart scrambled toward the sideline and was met by Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss, who launched him airborne with a jarring collision. The hit sparked a brief dust-up between the teams, with Giants tight end Theo Johnson getting flagged for his role in the aftermath.
It was the kind of moment that encapsulates both the grit and the risk of Dart’s game. He’s fearless, no doubt. But in a league where quarterbacks are increasingly protected - and for good reason - that kind of physicality draws attention.
After the game, Dart was asked whether he might consider adjusting his approach, especially after just returning from a head injury. His response? Classic competitor.
“I understand the question, but this is football,” Dart 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 mindset speaks volumes about Dart’s toughness and confidence - two traits you want in a franchise quarterback. But it also raises a real question for the Giants moving forward: How sustainable is this style?
We’ve seen what happens when mobile quarterbacks take too many hits. The names Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III still echo in conversations about potential unfulfilled, and both serve as cautionary tales about the toll this game can take on even the most talented signal-callers.
There’s no denying Dart’s competitive fire. He’s got the tools, the leadership intangibles, and clearly, the respect of his teammates. But the Giants - and Dart himself - will need to find the balance between playing with edge and protecting the future.
Because make no mistake: if the Giants are going to climb out of this rebuild, they’ll need Dart healthy and upright. And while toughness is a badge of honor in this league, longevity is what turns rookies into legends.