Jaxson Dart Has Impressed Over First Two Preseason Games

The arrival of a rookie quarterback invariably brings a tidal wave of hype and excitement, and Jaxson Dart, whom the New York Giants selected in the first round of this offseason’s draft, has certainly generated his fair share through his initial preseason performances. After just two games, it’s difficult to temper expectations given the flashes of brilliance Dart has already displayed.

In his most recent outing, Dart completed an impressive 14-of-16 passes, including a streak of 13 consecutive completions to conclude his night. These completions translated into 137 yards through the air, punctuated by a touchdown pass and, crucially, no interceptions. Dart also added a 1-yard touchdown run, showcasing his ability to contribute with his legs and make plays when needed. When asked about the performance, Dart played it cool, saying, “I thought guys were making great plays for me; I was just trying to distribute the ball to the playmakers.”

Dart’s undeniably impressive start has presented Coach Brian Daboll with a delicate balancing act. It’s widely known that Daboll was a key proponent of the decision to trade valuable draft capital—a pair of third-round picks—to move up from the 34th overall selection to the 25th in order to secure Dart’s services. The significance of Dart to Daboll’s vision was underscored by the coach himself on draft night. As Daboll concluded a phone call with Dart, he stated emphatically, “I’m banking on you.”

There’s no concealing the immense importance of Dart to Daboll, who is entering his fourth season with the Giants under considerable pressure. After a disappointing 9-25 record over the preceding two seasons, Daboll needs Dart to succeed not only for the team’s future but also potentially for his own job security. The preseason glimpses of potential are encouraging, but the regular season will ultimately determine whether Daboll’s gamble on Dart pays off.