The New York Giants have won two of their last three games following a seemingly hopeless 0-3 start to the season. One huge reason for the hopeful uptick is rookie QB Jaxson Dart.
The switch from what’s left of Russell Wilson as the Giants’ starting quarterback to Dart has been a real catalyst for the rising fortunes in New York. The No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Dart has provided a major lift with his arm, his legs, and his fiery style.
All those were on full display for everyone to see in the Giants’ 34-17 stunning upset of the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night. Dart was decisive, confident and accurate in exploiting the weaknesses in the Eagles defense. His 20-yard TD scamper that put the Giants on the board in the first quarter was a brilliant scramble, one that left the Philly defense wondering what just hit them. Strong completions to Wan’Dale Robinson and Jaylin Hyatt set up other scores, as did Dart’s continual breaking of rush containment from an overconfident Eagles defensive front and a cornerback group that doesn’t seem all that interested in tackling.
Dart’s numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet: 17-of-25, 198 yards, 1 TD, plus 13 carries for 58 yards and a TD. Yet he played with a great balance of aggression and caution. Dart got sacked twice, but the two sacks netted just one negative yard. He avoided turning the ball over, only really putting one pass in harm’s potential way.
The balance with Dart and fellow rookie Cam Skattebo blew away the Eagles. Doing that without top receiver Malik Nabers, who was lost for the season in Week 5, is even more impressive. Skattebo, New York’s fourth-round pick, barreled his way for 98 rushing yards and three scores despite being slower in the open field than Eagles NT Jordan Davis.
There is an odd loss to the New Orleans Saints (that team’s only win) in between impressive victories over the Chargers and Eagles. That’s life in the NFL with a rookie QB at the helm. Dart–and Skattebo–have breathed much-needed vitality and hope back to a Giants team that showed neither in the first three weeks.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Jaxson Dart breathing hope and fun back to the Giants in 1st 3 starts
