Jaxson Dart is ready to blast into his sophomore season, feeling “so much better” and “in command” of the Giants’ offense as Week 1 looms large. The signal-caller, who snagged the starting job from Russell Wilson way back before Week 4 of his rookie year, is amped to show what he’s learned, but man, his play style last season had everyone on edge.
From Rookie Sensation to Injury Scares: Dart’s Wild First Ride
Let’s be real, Dart’s rookie season was a rollercoaster. The dude, a No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, played 14 games, starting 12, and threw for 2,272 yards and 15 touchdowns with just five interceptions, completing 63.7 percent of his passes. And on the ground? Forget about it: 487 yards and nine rushing touchdowns on 86 carries. That’s dynamic, right? He put up numbers, no doubt about it.
But here’s the kicker, and it’s a big one: that “risky and borderline dangerous style of play” had him examined for multiple possible concussions during games and actually sidelined him for two mid-season games with a concussion. He also coughed up the ball five times, losing two. Add to that a whopping 35 sacks because his offensive line was a sieve. So, yeah, the talent is undeniable, but the punishment he took was real.
Command and Confidence, But One Huge Question Mark Looms
Now, Dart is talking like a seasoned vet, saying he feels “confident” and that there’s “a lot that’s put on the quarterback’s plate” in this offense, which is “exactly how I want it.” He’s feeling “way better each and every day, continuing to learn, continuing to grow as a player, and just the comfort in the offense, seeing the defense and putting ourselves in great situations.” That’s the kind of talk you want to hear from your franchise guy.
The problem? His offensive weapons. Wide receiver Malik Nabers, who tore his ACL in Dart’s very first start, and running back Cam Skattebo, who suffered a severe ankle dislocation and a tibia/fibula fracture in Week 8, both missed huge chunks of last season. Skattebo is fully healthy and set to be the Week 1 starter, which is fantastic news. But Nabers? Head Coach John Harbaugh said his situation is “day-to-day” and “murky,” admitting they have to plan for every outcome, including him not being there at all. Nabers himself says he feels “really good” but wouldn’t commit to being ready for Week 1, emphasizing he wants to play four full quarters. Harbaugh’s “I don’t know, we’ll see” regarding a pitch count for Nabers just screams uncertainty.
So, as Week 1 approaches, it’s all eyes on Dart to prove he can command this offense and stay healthy. But honestly, it feels like the bigger story is whether he’ll have his top receiver out there with him. The Giants need Nabers healthy to truly see what Dart can do, and the clock is ticking.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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