The 2025 NFL preseason has begun with a firm victory by the New York Giants, 34-25, over the Buffalo Bills. There were many things to watch for, and it seems like everything went according to plan.
One of those things was the debut of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and what implications it could have on the rest of the season. His first go-around the gridiron went about as smoothly as it could have, and he lit up the social media atmosphere.
Related: 4 telling observations from Jaxson Dart's preseason showing vs the Bills
He even gained some praise from a former rival quarterback of the G-Men from years past. Former second-overall-pick-turned-analyst, Robert Griffin III, took to X to give his flowers to the potential franchise thrower.
The New York Giants have to be happy with what they saw from @JaxsonDart.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 9, 2025
He made plays with his legs, manipulated the pocket to find throwing lanes and wasn’t afraid to let that dog hunt pushing the ball down the field. Great start for the Rebel.
12/19 for 154 yards 1 TD pic.twitter.com/4YkjZBMg51
Jaxson Dart will get his shot sooner rather than later
Let us not downplay what both Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson did in their first preseason game with Big Blue. Both came out and did their job, effortlessly and with positive remarks to go with it. The main draw here is that if it comes down to a point that both of those QBs falter in the regular season, there is a potential to give the rookie some reps.
The 22-year-old was also able to start linking up with some of the roster bubble guys looking to make a big splash in 2025. Lil'Jordan Humphrey caught his miraculous throw for their sole touchdown together in Saturday's win, which raises both of their value on the depth chart.
The Giants have such a thick cloud of uncertainty in front of them. The regular season schedule is a grueling gauntlet of great teams — and as good as they can play this season — it still just might not be enough to make a lick of difference. So, this could end up being the most fun 4-13 football team in recent memory, due to the fact that they lose on a consistent basis by a touchdown or fewer.
If playoff contention starts to slip away, Dart has already proven in one afternoon of football that he should get a chance. Receiving praise from a former Heisman-winning QB, as well as the social media wildfire from other major sports outlets like ESPN and the NFL (and everyone else), puts a lot of eyes on this team.
The front office knows that, as well as head coach Brian Daboll. If things slide, or if he keeps putting together performances like Saturday, you gotta play the kid.