The first two preseason games could not have gone much better for the New York Giants. After years of suffering through painful quarterback play, the offense is finally giving fans something to smile about. In their latest 31-12 win over the New York Jets, the Giants’ four quarterbacks combined to go 27-of-38 for 398 yards and a touchdown. The headliner? Once again, rookie Jaxson Dart.
Against the Jets, Dart carved up a live NFL defense like he’s been doing this for a decade. The rookie went 14-of-16 for 137 yards and a score in his second taste of NFL action. It wasn’t a one-off either. In back-to-back weeks, Dart has looked poised, efficient, and completely in control of Brian Daboll’s offense. That’s exactly why CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin has him ranked No. 1 among all rookie quarterbacks.
Dubin explained it perfectly: “Dart has been the best rookie quarterback of the preseason. He checked in No. 1 in these rankings for Tyler Sullivan last week and sits atop them once again in Week 2. He’s now 26 of 35 for 291 yards and two touchdowns through the air during New York’s two preseason contests.”
That was before the Giants’ final preseason game against the Patriots, where Dart added 6-of-12 passing for 81 yards and another touchdown to his stat line.
Jaxson Dart continues to justify Giants’ bold draft move
Through three preseason games, Dart is sitting at 32-of-47 for 372 yards, three passing touchdowns, and no interceptions. He’s not just completing passes; he looks like he’s been in this offense for years. The footwork, the timing, the confidence — this is the guy Daboll and Joe Schoen traded back into the first round for. He’s been the exact sign of hope this fanbase has been waiting for.
Yes, it’s fair to pump the brakes a bit since it’s only the preseason, but where’s the fun in that? Giants fans have been starved for competent quarterback play, and Dart is finally delivering a glimpse of what the future might look like. Russell Wilson will almost certainly start Week 1, but there’s zero reason Dart shouldn’t be locked in as QB2. And if things go sideways early, the chants for Dart at MetLife are going to be deafening.
The G-Men made a bold bet on Dart’s talent back in April. Three preseason games in, it already looks like that gamble is paying off.