The one silver lining in what has been a nauseating 2025 season for the New York Giants has been the performance of standout rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has thrown for 11 touchdowns against just three interceptions while plunging into the end zone for seven more scores despite a terrible supporting cast.
Dart's biggest problem at this point in his career is how reckless the Giants' prized asset has been with his body. Dart is running more than ever before, and he has suffered multiple concussions that have sidelined him for a few games. New head coach Mike Kafka would love it if Dart played a bit safer.
However, Dart didn't get the memo in a primetime demolition inflicted by a far superior New England Patriots. Dart took multiple hard hits in this game, including one that sparked a huge brawl early in the contest. For his own part, Dart doesn't sound like he is going to be afraid of playing this cavalier.
Dart said that he is not "playing soccer" when asked about possibly changing his style of play to take fewer big hits. It's encouraging to see him be so determined, but there's a fine line between determination and recklessness.
Jaxson Dart quotes show Giants QB has learned nothing from injury problems
The Giants likely have enough good plays on tape from Dart to avoid watching him getting the stuffing knocked out of him. Every big hit the Patriots levied on Dart could have sent him out of the game with yet another injury that could end up gradually eroding his overall health.
Dart is playing behind a beat-up offensive line for a coach that is likely not going to be named as Brian Daboll's permanent replacement without top skill position players Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo. The hero ball might make the offense work, but Dart may need to be a bit more conservative for his own benefit.
The Giants are currently in possession of the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which might make it all the more frustrating that Dart is putting his body on the line in such a striking way when this team is all but confirmed to end the season with at least a Top 10 pick
There is a balance between Dart staying in the pocket all game long and turning him into another version of Skattebo who can throw slant routes, and whoever ends up coaching him next year will need to find it out.