It’s officially Jaxson Dart SZN in East Rutherford. After months of anticipation, an electric preseason, and what felt like the longest (yet somehow also shortest) leash ever for Russell Wilson, the Dart era is finally here. The New York Giants will officially hand the reins to their 22-year-old rookie quarterback in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers, giving fans their first real look at what the future could be.
This game is bound to be a rollercoaster. Between the home crowd energy at MetLife, a stingy Jim Harbaugh-led defense, and the fact that Dart hasn’t taken a single live-game dropback, there’s plenty of chaos waiting to unfold. Whether it’s beautiful or brutal — or a little bit of both — the one guarantee is that things are about to get interesting.
So, what should fans expect? That’s where we come in. The GMen HQ staff gave their predictions for Dart’s debut — and while we’re all on board for the ride, not everyone agrees on how smooth or bumpy it’s going to be.
Predictions for Jaxson Dart’s Giants debut vs Chargers in Week 4
Adam Bernstein
The time has finally come, as Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will make his first NFL start this week against the Chargers. While Dart will go through some growing pains, we’ll also see flashes of what he showed in the preseason — a spark on offense that’s been sorely missing over the last few weeks, with a few explosive plays sprinkled in.
This likely won’t be an all-time Malik Nabers performance, as he’ll be shadowed by the Chargers’ secondary duo of Derwin James Jr. and Tarheeb Still. However, look for the rookie signal-caller to spread the ball around — targeting Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Theo Johnson, and of course, getting Cam Skattebo involved.
Dart will finish the day completing 21 of 33 passes for 188 yards with at least one touchdown through the air. While he’ll give Giants fans a glimpse of hope, the Chargers will still come out on top, 28-14, dropping Big Blue’s season record to 0-4.
Jaxson Dart stats: 21-of-33 | 188 yards | One-plus TDs
Final Score: 28-14 (Giants lose)
Doug Rush
The G-Men are throwing Jaxson Dart into the deep end of the pool by making his first start against the Chargers, who just so happen to be in first place in the AFC West and boast one of the league’s top defenses. While some believed Brian Daboll should’ve waited a week to start Dart, what better way for him to get acclimated to NFL life than by being tested immediately against a good team, and in a gauntlet of good teams with strong defenses?
Aside from the Bolts, Dart will have to face the Broncos, 49ers, and the Eagles twice. Fortunately for him, Khalil Mack is sidelined for a few weeks and Joey Bosa now plays in Buffalo, so the pass rush isn’t quite what it used to be. Still, Dart better keep his eyes on Daiyan Henley and Derwin James.
Jaxson Dart’s NFL education begins now.
Jaxson Dart stats: 18-of-29 | 187 yards | One TD (48 rushing yards)
Final Score: N/A
Jackson Boland
For the New York Giants, the future is now. Jaxson Dart is finally QB1, and the fanbase has reason to be excited about football again. Unfortunately, Dart’s debut might resemble Eli Manning’s more than Daniel Jones’. Jim Harbaugh's team is one of — if not the — best teams in football, and it won’t be an easy task for the rookie. Manning’s first line read 17-for-37, 162 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. It wouldn’t be a shock if Dart ends up looking similar.
He’ll use his legs a lot more when he gets into trouble, and that’ll help keep the offense afloat. Dart’s final stat line probably won’t be the prettiest, but both the organization and the fans will understand why he was drafted when he was. With the energy of a new quarterback under center, don’t be surprised if we see some inspired play, and the Giants pull off the upset at home.
Jaxson Dart stats: 17-of-37 | 162 yards | One TD | Two INTs
Final Score: N/A (Giants win)
Jason Kandel
I’m not sure whether starting Dart this early is truly for the betterment of the team, but I digress. If he can even recapture a glimpse of what he displayed throughout the preseason, then Giants fans will feel a sense of euphoria come Monday morning. The matchup is daunting, but I trust Brian Daboll to deliver the scheme for the quarterback he hand-picked.
Jaxson Dart stats: 18-of-34 | 207 yards | Two total TDs
Final Score: 34-17 (Giants lose)
Lior Lampert
Facing a defense that's allowed the third-lowest adjusted yards per pass attempt and fifth-lowest completion percentage in your NFL debut is far from ideal. Oh, and they're one of four clubs to allow just two passing touchdowns through three weeks.
Dart will have no choice but to sink or swim against a stout Chargers secondary led by three-time All-Pro safety Derwin James. Given the matchup and current state of the Giants' supporting cast (or lack thereof), it's probably best to temper expectations in Week 4. Attacking the Chargers on the ground is a better strategy, especially as the G-Men ease Dart in; L.A. yields the seventh-most yards per carry (5.0).
Fellow Big Blue rookie and fan favorite running back Cam Skattebo figures to be a focal point, assuming the game script doesn't get away from them. A heavy dose of rushing and quick-hitting, one-read throws against a fierce opponent limit New York's new quarterback to 170 total yards and a touchdown. No interceptions will be the silver lining of a hyper-conservative approach as the Giants not-so-gracefully fall to 0-4 and the Bolts improve to 4-0.
Jaxson Dart stats: N/A | 170 yards | One TD
Final Score: N/A (Giants lose)
Logan VanDine
Jaxson Dart will be pressed into a tough situation on Sunday, going up against a Chargers team that’s not only 3-0 on the season but also boasts a great defense. I predict the former first-round pick will end up using his legs a lot more due to a Giants offensive line that has more questions than answers.
As for what he’ll do with his arm, Dart will show some rookie flashes but also display the potential that many raved about after he was drafted. He’ll finish with 220 passing yards and a touchdown — but in a 23-10 loss to the Chargers.
Jaxson Dart stats: N/A | 220 yards | One TD
Final Score: 23-10 (Giants lose)
Matt Sidney
Give me all the chaos. I'm thinking it's either going to be a MetLife-shattering come-from-behind victory in epic fashion... or the G-Men lost by a million. I just don't see it happening any other way.
The logical part of my brain is telling me to pick the Bolts. Everything suggests that's the right pick. But not so fast, my friends! Give me the Giants.
Listen, we can talk ad nauseam about Harbaugh and Jesse Minter's defense, but something's telling me this is a get-right game for Big Blue's defense. This team is going to be playing lights out for Dart. Sometimes the Football Gods show up at the craziest times, and so my analysis is simple: the universe wills it to fruition. Give me Jaxson Dart going full Daniel Jones debut energy and securing the win at home in one of the most electric games in recent memory. Give me life.
Jaxson Dart stats: 18-of-26 | 236 yards | One TD (35 rushing yards)
Final Score: 23-21 (Giants win)
Scott Rogust
The Jaxson Dart era is finally upon us. While it might have been better on paper to wait until next week to face the New Orleans Saints, another disastrous home opener and bad performance by Russell Wilson forced the issue for Brian Daboll.
Dart showed a lot with his throw power, accuracy, play-making ability, and toughness in the preseason. But in his first start, he's facing off against the undefeated Chargers and their tough defense. Their defense has allowed the third-lowest passer rating through the first three weeks of the season (67.9).
Additionally, they allowed 182.0 passing yards per game and two passing touchdowns while logging three interceptions. Make no mistake about it, it will be a tough outing. But, given how well Dart played in the preseason, you have to give him some credit. Let's say 250 passing yards and two passing touchdowns.
But the Bolts stay undefeated. Dart stats: 250 passing yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTS. Game result: Chargers win 34-20
Jaxson Dart stats: N/A | 250 yards | Two TDs | Two INTs
Final Score: 34-20 (Giants lose)