The New York Giants need to do everything they can to keep their rookie quarterback sensation healthy. And the lasting image of Jaxson Dart collapsing to his knees after the Giants’ 34-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers was a frightening sign of how much this season has already taken out of him.
Related: 4 takeaways from Jaxson Dart’s bland performance in Giants’ Week 9 mess
The 22-year-old gave it his all Sunday afternoon, taking quite the physical beating in the process. On multiple occasions, Dart took an unnecessary hit trying to make something out of nothing, because nothing is the only thing the G-Men are currently serving up.
The worst hit came on his 10-yard run late in the fourth quarter, right before his second touchdown pass to Gunner Olszewski. Niners linebacker Tatum Bethune rocked him with just under two minutes left. Dart stayed in to finish the drive, but once he got to the sideline, he was hunched over in pain. After the game, No. 6 spoke with reporters about it:
"Definitely took a few hits, but I made it out good."Jaxson Dart
Giants are pushing their luck with Jaxson Dart's toughness
It was a short answer, but one fans were no doubt thrilled to hear. Dart looked banged up after the final drive, so hearing he made it out good brought tons of relief. He’s as tough as they come — the problem is how often he has to prove it.
The rookie signal-caller finished 24-of-33 for 191 yards and two touchdowns, adding 56 yards and a score on the ground. And it still wasn’t even close to enough. The Giants need to get Dart help so he’s not left to fend for himself every week.
If only there was some major event coming up.
And with the Nov. 4 trade deadline less than 48 hours away, there's no better time than right now for general manager Joe Schoen to do right by his quarterback of the future.
The need for an offensive playmaker is obvious. With star receiver Malik Nabers out for the season with a torn ACL, Big Blue has no one who can win contested catches, stretch the field, or simply get open. They're also out rookie running back Cam Skattebo until 2026. It's a total nightmare. And it leaves the 25th overall pick exposed and compromised.
Dart luckily made it out good on Sunday. The Giants would be smart not to keep testing how many times he can say that.