The New York Giants have had a frustrating 2-12 campaign this year and have even dropped their last eight games, but if there’s one significant positive to take away from this ugly season, it's rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who has provided a spark to Big Blue’s offense.
If there’s one thing Dart can improve upon, it's his physical play style and knowing when to slide or run out of bounds. It’s something that has Giants fans concerned, as the rookie quarterback has a promising future and they want to see him stay healthy and have a long career in the NFL.
Interim head coach Mike Kafka met with the media after Big Blue's 29-21 Week 15 loss, when he was asked about Dart’s physical style of play. Kafka stated that they are "not going to change much" about his play style, which has fans understandably worried, as he visits the blue medical tent regularly.
Mike Kafka doesn't want to change Jaxson Dart's play style
Dart has been evaluated for a concussion in five out of his first 10 NFL games. He even missed two games this season with a concussion. Seeing the 22-year-old walk over to the blue medical tent on the Giants’ sideline has become a common occurrence, and it’s not one that he or the team should be proud of.
This past week, early in the fourth quarter, Dart was examined for yet another concussion. The rookie quarterback would miss two plays and was replaced by Jameis Winston, and it could not have come at a worse time, as the offense was in the red zone looking to add to its score.
The first-round pick is missing plays or time frequently and is confused by it, including his most recent trip to the medical tent, where he told the media after the game, "I was definitely surprised. It didn't feel like it was that big of a hit at all."
Dart knows it is important to protect his body as the quarterback, and he's a smart player, but it’s time to start making those adjustments to his game, whether he feels fine or not after taking a big hit. You have to think that, over time, the rookie will only mature more and start making those in-game decisions.
Also, if Kafka is comfortable with Dart’s play style and does not plan to change much, then why is the rookie signal caller still being examined for concussions even when he feels he is fine to play? It just doesn’t add up, and there's clearly a miscommunication between the two.
These last few games are Kafka's audition for the head coaching position, and if this continues, then he is not suitable to be this franchise’s next head coach. This is a crucial time for Dart’s development, so it’s important that whoever Joe Schoen decides to hire as the next head coach is willing to work with him so he is not evaluated for concussions as frequently going forward.