The New York Giants’ new coaching staff is pushing young quarterback Jaxson Dart hard this summer, demanding major adjustments from him, everything from learning a new scheme to protecting himself more when he takes off and scrambles. It’s a critical moment for Dart’s career trajectory, especially as our own Seattle Seahawks just wrapped up their preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys tonight, falling 17-7. That score definitely leaves you wanting more.
The “Next Level” Dart Needs to Hit, Pronto
Giants offensive coordinator Matt Nagy pulled no punches when discussing what he wants from Dart. Nagy’s “biggest thing” was getting Dart to “get through these practices and, it sounds simple, but be able to get in the huddle, call the play, get up to the line of scrimmage, see the defense and play fast.” This isn’t just about memorization for Dart, it’s about processing. Nagy says Dart “aced that part,” which is huge. It shows he’s internalizing the playbook. But the real challenge now is “getting it to the part of seeing the defense and taking it to the next level,” because everyone in the league knows the kid is super talented. This kind of early season grind, focusing on the mental game and fundamental execution, is exactly what you look for in a promising young signal-caller. The pressure is on for Dart to prove he can elevate his game, and fast.
Concussion Concerns and a Ground Game Shift
But here’s the unavoidable concern, the part that makes you wince when you watch him play: part of those “major adjustments” includes getting Dart to slide more when he breaks the pocket. This isn’t just coach-speak. Last season, the guy absorbed so many huge hits that he actually went through **five concussion checks**. Five! That kind of punishment is unsustainable for any QB, let alone a young talent trying to establish himself. The Giants are also looking to transition to a more ground-based scheme in 2026, which means Dart needs to get way more comfortable operating under center. Passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bill Callahan noted how Dart has really “bought into all that” new discipline, executing things “at a pretty good clip.” He specifically called out the “footwork discipline” and “smoothness” as vastly improved, which is a positive sign for the mechanical side of things. Dart had a very strong rookie season, throwing for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions, plus adding 487 rushing yards and nine scores. Those are big numbers, but protecting his body is paramount if he wants to build on that success and avoid becoming another “what if” story.
What’s next for the Giants is continuing to mold Dart into that next-level quarterback, hopefully a healthier one. For our Seattle Seahawks, that 17-7 preseason loss to the Cowboys tonight puts Coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Brian Fleury on notice. We saw glimpses, but getting the ball into the endzone for more than just seven points is going to be the absolute focus heading into the next few weeks. The early season is all about finding that rhythm, staying healthy, and showing you can score. Let’s get it done, Hawks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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