Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has quickly become the New York Giants’ undeniable spark, earning effusive praise from Coach Brian Daboll and etching his name into NFL history by joining elite dual-threat company with his electrifying play.
The New York Giants organization and its passionate fanbase are experiencing a surge of renewed hope, all thanks to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Just moments after leading the Giants to a stunning victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in prime time, head coach Brian Daboll was unequivocal in his praise for the young signal-caller. This isn’t just a fleeting moment; Dart’s performance has rapidly reshaped the narrative around a franchise desperate for a turnaround.
Daboll, while emphasizing the team effort, couldn’t mask his excitement about having Dart at the helm. “It’s good to have a young leader like Dart,” Daboll stated. “He leads by his play, he leads by his words, he leads by his emotion, he leads by his loose plays. Glad he’s my quarterback — our quarterback.” This commendation speaks volumes about the impact Dart has had in a short period, bringing a blend of athleticism and intangible leadership that resonates throughout the locker room.
A Strategic Shift: Dart’s Ascent to Stardom
The decision to bench veteran quarterback Russell Wilson after just three games and hand the reins to Dart, drafted 25th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, was a clear strategic pivot for the Giants. This move signaled a commitment to embracing the modern dual-threat quarterback, a departure from the team’s previous reliance on quarterbacks whose tenures were often marked by inconsistency. Fans have widely embraced this shift, seeing Dart as the dynamic presence needed to revitalize the offense.
Dart’s remarkable start has not gone unnoticed. According to a post by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Dart has joined an exclusive club as only the third quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for at least 50 yards in each of his first three NFL starts. This elite company includes none other than former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and Super Bowl runner-up Jalen Hurts, two players who have redefined the quarterback position with their exceptional versatility. This historic feat, highlighted on October 11, 2025, underscores Dart’s significant potential.
Unpacking Dart’s Playmaking Ability
Dart’s impact extends beyond just statistics. Left tackle Andrew Thomas praised Dart’s ability to create opportunities. “He puts strain on the defense with his legs [and] playmaking ability,” Thomas explained. “This offense is not easy to learn. He’s done a good job with that — just being vocal in the meetings, talking to the receivers, trying to get everyone on the same page. I think that’s what I’ve been most impressed by.” This highlights Dart’s leadership both physically and mentally, crucial for any young quarterback.
His performance against the Eagles exemplified his dual-threat prowess, where he ran for a touchdown as part of his 13 carries for 58 yards, in addition to throwing for another score. Coach Daboll’s dry humor, when asked about Dart’s legs, “It helps, yeah. It helps,” subtly underlines the competitive advantage Dart brings.
Despite his early success, Dart isn’t without his rookie mistakes, including two interceptions and a lost fumble in a previous defeat at New Orleans. However, his willingness to take responsibility for these errors showcases the maturity and leadership qualities Daboll so values in the 22-year-old.
From Ole Miss to NFL Phenom: Dart’s Journey
Dart’s collegiate career at Ole Miss hinted at his future NFL success. He amassed 614 rushing yards and one touchdown during his time with the Rebels, showcasing the mobility that now translates so effectively to the professional level. His final season was particularly impressive, with 4,774 yards of total offense, including 4,279 passing yards and 495 rushing yards, earning him Gator Bowl MVP honors. These foundational skills are now rapidly developing in the NFL, with his early stats boasting a 65.9% completion rate and an 87.8 passer rating.
Through his first four NFL games, Dart has already racked up 167 rushing yards and two touchdowns, per NFL.com stats, further solidifying his status as a legitimate dual-threat playmaker. This explosive style is proving vital for the Giants offense, especially as they navigate the season without their No. 1 receiver, Malik Nabers, who suffered a torn ACL.
Rallying the Troops: A New Standard of Intensity
Dart himself is acutely aware of the challenge ahead. “We’re just trying to set a standard of intensity here each and every day,” he affirmed. “There’s, at times, some negativity that’s surrounding (the team). For us, some of the new guys that are coming here, we just got here, so we don’t feel like we were involved in the past. We’ve got a lot of winners on this team.” This mindset, coupled with his on-field heroics, is quickly uniting the team and the fanbase.
Running back Cam Skattebo, who is also contributing significantly to the Giants’ offense, echoed the sentiment, praising Dart’s competitive nature and field generalship. “He’s a quarterback, a very competitive quarterback that knows what to do with the ball at the right times, and he can use his legs,” Skattebo said. “He does a great job just being the general on the field, and props to him and props to the guys around him that help him be who he is.”
Despite their 2-4 record after an 0-3 start, Dart’s emergence has transformed the Giants into a compelling narrative. He is currently the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite on BetMGM Sportsbook, a testament to his immediate impact. The next challenge for Dart and the Giants is a road game against the second-ranked Denver Broncos defense, a team that is a 7-point favorite.
What’s Next for the Giants and Their Rookie QB?
The NFL landscape is increasingly valuing quarterbacks who can extend plays and pressure defenses with their mobility. Players like Tim Tebow and Charlie Ward paved the way for the modern dual-threat quarterback, but stars like Dart are pushing the boundaries further. His early success has not only energized the Giants’ faithful but also positioned him as a must-watch player for the 2025 season and beyond.
The odds of the Giants making the postseason after their challenging start remain slim, yet Dart’s arrival has infused the team with belief. His rallying cry against outside noise, recalling that “nobody really expected” them to beat the Eagles, sets the stage for future upsets. As his teammates continue to rally around him, Jaxson Dart is proving he might just be the transformative leader the Giants have been searching for, poised to become a household name and perhaps, a future legend.
