I'm not freaking out, you are.
Coming into Week 6, New York Giants fans had already seen the good and the bad that come with starting a rookie quarterback. Jaxson Dart had a strong debut in Week 4 and followed that up with a brutal Week 5 showing. But after Thursday night’s 34-17 win over the Eagles, it’s time to accept him for what he truly is: the guy.
Ha! You hate to see it, Eagles fans. The 22-year-old entered the game without his top two receiving options in Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton — and still cruised to victory. He got into a rhythm early and often and, unlike last week, kept the good times rolling for the full 60 minutes. The refs tried, but even they couldn’t stop it. Dart finished the night 17-of-25 for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns ( one passing, one rushing).
It was an overall tremendous performance for the young signal-caller — against the Eagles, no less. Hang this one in the Louvre. Jaxson Dart, have yourself a game. It’s not even close — this was hands-down the best performance of his young career. Here are five takeaways from Dart’s incredible Week 6 showing.
5 takeaways from Jaxson Dart's gutsy Week 6 win vs Eagles
He does a good goldfish impression
“Be a goldfish.” It’s a saying that comes from adopting the short-term memory of a goldfish to quickly move past mistakes and setbacks. The rookie did just that. Following a three-turnover Week 5 performance in New Orleans, he bounced back in a big way Thursday night.
There’s just no other way to put it — Jaxson Dart looked every bit the franchise quarterback this organization was hoping for.
Utilizing his legs will be key
The most overlooked part of Dart’s game has been his legs. He’s got them, and when he uses them, he becomes a real problem for defenses. Dart’s night was impressive overall, but it was his wheels that stole the show.
His 20-yard touchdown run in the first quarter was everything fans could ask for. It got the scoring started, and the G-Men never looked back. He finished the night with 13 carries for 58 yards and a rushing touchdown. Lamar Jackson-esque.
He's got that dawg in him
Sometimes you just have to do it yourself. That’s exactly what Dart was thinking on a third-and-three early in the third quarter, when he took off and made sure to pick up the first down. He lowered his shoulder, then left his feet, turning into a human missile to launch for the first down. It was an electric play that confirmed what’s already obvious: He’s got that dawg in him.
Dart is everything this fan base wanted
Dart launching himself around like a nut was awesome, but nothing topped the rookie celebrating fellow rookie Cam Skattebo’s rushing touchdown. The official was standing at the goal line with his arm up before the score was even announced, and once it was, Dart gave him a high five like a 10-year-old at recess. You have to see it to believe it.
Sliding lessons are a must
Late in the third quarter, you could practically feel the collective gasp inside MetLife as Dart took a tough hit, knocking him out of the game and sending him to the blue tent. Fortunately, he only missed one play, but the 22-year-old just has to be more careful with how many hits he takes. This was already the third time he’s been cleared from concussion protocol this season.
Good thing he’s got the Mets and Yankees nearby — someone’s gotta teach him how to slide. Because every time he runs and doesn’t, fans are going to hold their breath.