New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart showed notable potential during the preseason, drawing comparisons to legendary players after a strong performance. According to USA TODAY, Dart completed 32 of 47 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, and also rushed six times for 52 yards and another score over the course of 12 drives.
Dart’s play has led some observers to suggest he could become a standout in the league. “I’m not saying he’s John Elway, but he reminds me of a young John Elway,” wrote Mike Freeman in USA TODAY. Freeman continued, “There’s a comfort Dart displays that is almost uncanny. He doesn’t get rattled and looks like he’s been in the league for years. It was clear that Dart was a good athlete. We saw that in college. But many times that athleticism doesn’t translate into the pros. Even in the preseason. But, hoo boy, is it translating for Dart.”
During his most recent game against the New England Patriots, Dart found Gunner Olszewski on a short pass which resulted in a 50-yard gain before finishing the drive with a seven-yard touchdown pass. Despite Giants receivers dropping five passes during the game, Dart remained steady.
The current starting quarterback for New York is Russell Wilson, as stated by head coach Brian Daboll. However, Freeman expressed doubt about how long Wilson would remain in that role: “There’s almost zero chance Wilson starts the entire season, injuries or no injuries. It would be stunning if Wilson lasted past Week 5.”
Freeman also highlighted areas where Dart can grow after coaches reminded him during one play to slide rather than risk injury at the end of a scramble: “Once, he got carried away on a scramble, didn’t go out of bounds, and got hit from behind. Cameras caught Daboll telling Dart: ‘Slide.’ Learning experience.”
Preseason games are not considered an exact test compared to regular season matchups because defensive strategies tend to be simpler and less tailored toward opposing players. Nevertheless, Freeman observed confidence in how Dart handled himself under center: “But when I watch him, I don’t feel like the game is above him. Or too difficult, and I think he can adapt.”
As for when fans might see Dart start regular season games remains uncertain; New York opens its schedule against Washington before playing Dallas, Kansas City, Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints.
“There will be ups and downs and risks but what he did in the preseason was fairly telling,” wrote Freeman.
