When all was said and done, Monday Night Football was a good, old-fashioned butt kicking. The New York Giants didn't come to play. In fact, they were all-around trounced by the New England Patriots.
The final score didn't even feel as close as it revealed -- yep, it felt worse than an 18-point loss.
One of the many low points came in the first half, though, when quarterback Jaxson Dart took a hard hit as he was running toward and/or along the sideline. Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss delivered quite the blow, knocking Dart off his feet and causing a skirmish between the two sides.
After the game, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel commented on the play and issue, overall, when it comes to quarterbacks protecting themselves.
“It’s a weekly reminder to our quarterback. We show them every week. I wouldn’t get too cute over there by the sideline," he told the Patriots media.
Well, it sure sounds like at least one of these coaches is having success pointing their quarterback in the direction of safety and common sense.
Is that harsh? It might be, but it's also as valid a point as you'll read.
Mike Vrabel opened up a whole different talking point about Jaxson Dart
As some folks pointed out on social media, after the play was over, this both can and cannot be placed a little bit on the shoulders of former Giants head coach Brian Daboll.
First of all, Daboll had half a season to coach Dart out of putting himself in harm's way. Did he do a good enough job? Did he even try? We may never know the truth about the latter. What's obvious, though, is the answer to the first question: no.
Secondly, one might also be able to argue that Dart is still making the same mistakes he was when Daboll was his head coach. Surely, firing Daboll wasn't going to fix all of the issues, right?
Dart still refuses to remove himself from dangerous situations. He still refuses to protect himself.
Is he a talented quarterback? Absolutely. Could he still be the team's franchise quarterback? Of course.
But, does he have a glaring opportunity at hand?
He sure does.
Dart must learn to stop tossing his body around like he's immortal. The reality is, he's playing a brutal sport; a sport that could make life miserable down the line if he isn't careful. This isn't even about the here and now. This is about his future.
By now, we all know the dangers of too many concussions. News flash, Mr. Dart: you're not doing yourself any favors in that area and it's only Year 1.