Make no mistake: We are a long way off from hearing New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart earn comparisons to Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
That didn’t stop head coach John Harbaugh from reminiscing about two of the greatest players in league history and how their situations as players were vastly different from Dart’s. Specifically, the longtime Ravens coach reflected on the days when quarterbacks, including Manning and Brady, would play into the third quarter of preseason games.
“You don't see that ever anymore,” Harbaugh told reporters. “So, how much is six plays, 10 plays, how much is that really worth? That’s part of the whole balancing act.”
Conversely, Dart saw 14 snaps in the Giants’ Aug. 15 preseason opener but did not play against the Dolphins last weekend.
How much should John Harbaugh play Jaxson Dart in the New York Giants’ preseason finale?
Objectively, we understand the fear of Dart being carted off or taken to the blue medical tent yet again, especially if Tyrone Tracy Jr. is on the field. Giants fans of a certain age will remember star pass-rusher Osi Umenyiora hurting his knee in a 2008 preseason clash with the Jets. The two-time Pro Bowler’s foot got stuck in the turf, and he had season-ending surgery ahead of Week 1.
But Calvin Austin III’s torn ACL is a reminder that players can get injured anywhere. Roy Robertson-Harris and Gunner Olszewski suffered season-ending Achilles injuries during offseason workouts. Anthony Richardson missed two months with an orbital bone fracture sustained in pregame warmups.
“You get some injuries and you just try to make the argument that you go to the season with your best players healthy,” Harbaugh said. “That's the most important thing.”
Well, duh.
In all seriousness, coaches should collectively consider using the second preseason game as extended action for the starters or expected contributors. We know the inherent risks of Dart and the starting offensive line playing against the Jets, and the worst-case scenario is obvious. There’s no need for us to put that kind of negative energy into the universe.
For what it’s worth, neither Manning nor Brady ever missed a start because of preseason injuries. Manning famously started every game in his first 13 seasons until neck issues cost him the 2011 season. Brady tore his ACL in Week 1 of 2008 and served a four-game suspension for Deflategate in 2016. Otherwise, he never missed a game over 20 years as a full-time starter.
The other reality, and it’s one that is rarely mentioned, is that the NFL probably doesn't care. By this point, the league knows people will watch the preseason, and social media will explode with under-the-radar players and potential breakout candidates. Remember the Darius Alexander hype train?
Chances are that Dart and the starters won’t play too much, if at all, against the Jets. But it’s hard to blame fans for wanting more than they’re likely to get.
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