Jaxson Dart: Giants Rookie QB Overcomes Scare After Great Preseason

The New York Giants quarterback, Jaxson Dart, concluded his first preseason with another outstanding performance, although with a scare included. After a 23-yard run in the final quarter of Thursday night’s game against the New England Patriots, Dart tried to get past two defenders. He suffered a fumble and his head hit the ground, forcing the officials to stop the game and have him removed from the field. Jameis Winston threw a 30-yard touchdown pass on the next play while Dart was being examined.

Should Daboll have gone to the ground?

Brian Daboll, Giants coachDart was checked in the medical tent before returning minutes later. Although he passed the concussion protocol, he did not return to the game when the Giants got the ball back in the second quarter. The rookie did not regret facing the defenders. What he regretted was the fumble.

I think it’s a moment-based situation. I thought I could have made a bigger play. I felt like if I broke a tackle, I was gone.

Jaxson Dart, Giants quarterback

The question is when Dart will return to the field. Russell Wilson is the Giants’ starter. Dart, a first-round pick this year, is waiting in the wings after a solid preseason. He completed 32 of 47 passes (68.1%) for 372 yards, with three touchdown passes and no interceptions. He also had six carries for 52 yards with a touchdown in three games. He improved as the summer went on. Dart must continue to perfect his game and be ready.

I feel like every time I get called upon, I’m going to go out there and play my game. I’m going to give it my all. That’s my mentality every time I touch the field.

Jaxson Dart, Giants quarterback

That’s why the Giants drafted him at pick 25. That’s why the Giants have a special development plan for the player they envision as their quarterback of the future.

I’m glad to have him. I’m glad he’s our guy.

Brian Daboll, Giants coach

The Giants felt the need to revamp their quarterback group this offseason. They did so by selecting Dart and signing Wilson and Winston. This left Tommy DeVito as the possible fourth quarterback. The New Jersey native, who burst onto the scene with three consecutive wins as an undrafted rookie, has had few repetitions this summer and the preseason. His fate is in serious doubt as cut day approaches. In what could be his last game as a Giant, DeVito gave it his all. He completed 15 of 17 attempts and threw three touchdown passes in his first three series against the Patriots. If this was his last moment with the Giants, it was a good way to say goodbye. DeVito was greeted with a warm ovation from the home fans, who showed their appreciation for his performance and his time on the team.

It means a lot. The ovation, if I were in the stands, I would also be cheering for any home boy. It was very appreciated.

Tommy DeVito, Giants quarterback

But the cheers were even louder when Dart led the Giants to a touchdown on the first drive of the game. He connected with wide receiver Gunner Olszewski for a 50-yard gain and then with tight end Greg Dulcich for a 9-yard touchdown, much to the delight of the MetLife Stadium crowd. Dart is your new favorite and for good reason, based on the preseason.