In a galaxy not so far away...
The Empire was crumbling. At least, that’s what it felt like for New York Giants fans heading into Week 4. The regime was flailing, hope was fading, and another season was slipping through the cracks before the calendar even flipped to October. Then came a new hope — and his name was Jaxson Dart.
Dart stepped into the starting role, lightsaber in hand, with MetLife Stadium hanging in the balance. He put his padawan training to use, finishing 13-of-20 for 111 yards, a passing touchdown, and another on the ground, in a 21-18 win that might’ve shifted the entire energy of the season.
In the hours before kickoff, Abdul Carter pulled Dart aside in the locker room and showed him a GIF saved to his Instagram — Anakin Skywalker, seconds before executing Order 66. A quiet nod between two Star Wars fans, but the message was clear.
Carter wears No. 51 (5 plus 1 equals 6). Dart wears No. 6. Together, 66. The rookie linebacker has long admired Darth Vader. Dart has worn eye black under his right eye since Ole Miss in tribute to Anakin’s scar. The symbolism wasn’t subtle. “Never just sit back and wait for your turn,” Carter told Dart earlier this summer, according to North Jersey's Art Stapleton, repeating the same message before Sunday’s game. “Be ready to take it.”
And he took it. The force is strong with these two.
Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart might be the duo to bring balance back to the Giants
All Star Wars references aside, what an absolutely electric quote from Carter to Dart ahead of his first start. What shouldn't get lost with fans is that's a 21-year-old rookie giving that advice to a 22-year-old rookie like he's a 10-year veteran.
We're talking wise beyond his years, here. Fans shouldn't and couldn't downplay Carter's comments if they wanted to.
Fortunately, Order 66 was executed perfectly — no Jedi Knights harmed in the process.
The reigning Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year didn't record a sack on Bolts' quarterback Justin Herbert, but he did record eight pressures and five quarterback hits. He earned a 92.1 Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade, showcasing what life can be like for the G-Men if defensive coordinator Shane Bowen appropriately utilizes the former Penn State Nittany Lion on the edge.
Dart's game was solid, too. He made some mistakes, but for the most part, he looked poised and ready for the moment, which is more than Russell Wilson could say through his first three starts in Giants blue.
This pair of first-round picks is exactly what this franchise needs. And if it takes a mutual love of Star Wars to bring out the best in them, head coach Brian Daboll might want to invest in a movie theater for the locker room.
No Jedi mind tricks here — just two Wookiees, I mean rookies, showing up, showing out, and giving Giants fans a reason to believe again.