The Dart Problem: How the Giants Plan to Safeguard Their Future Star QB

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In Eli Manning’s first NFL game in 2004, he learned quickly how different the league was from college. On the last play of the game, he tried to scramble, misread the field, and was crushed by Eagles defender Jerome McDougle. The hit sent him flying and caused a fumble.

“That was my ‘Welcome to the NFL’ moment,” Manning later said. His dad, Archie, joked afterward, “I thought he was dead.”

Eli realized right away that things he could do at Ole Miss didn’t work in the NFL.

Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is learning the same lesson — but slower, and with more pain. In his seventh start, Dart suffered a concussion against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 9. It was the fourth time in eight games he needed to be checked for a concussion, stretching back to the preseason.

That hit, on his sixth designed run of the game, was the breaking point for head coach Brian Daboll. Dart has missed two games since then. He’s expected to return Monday night against the Patriots, but the team knows he must stop putting himself in danger.

Backup QB Jameis Winston said the message was simple: Dart can’t keep playing recklessly. Teammates have been yelling “Slide! Slide!” at practice, trying to convince him to avoid unnecessary hits.

Players all agree:

• “Please get down!” — Jon Runyan Jr.

• “Franchise quarterbacks get hurt, season’s over.” — Darius Slayton

• “Don’t take on D-linemen or linebackers.” — Jameis Winston

The Giants need Dart to stay healthy. They drafted him in the first round, and he’s a big part of their future.

Dart himself understands this now.

“I have to be more available for this team,” he said after clearing concussion protocol.

WHY DART PLAYS SO WILDLY

At Ole Miss, Dart played with a physical, fearless style that made him successful — but also risky. Jon Gruden described him as “reckless, careless, and dangerous” when watching his college film. Coaches at Ole Miss also tried to get him to protect himself better.

His competitive nature is something he has had since childhood. His father said that whenever a drill involved contact, young Jaxson always wanted to face the biggest, toughest kid. He loved hitting people and bringing energy.

Dart grew up thinking like a defensive player — he played linebacker when he was young. That mindset is still in him. He wants to deliver hits, not take them. But the NFL is different.

“It’s not SEC cornerbacks anymore,” one NFC executive warned before the draft. “It’s NFL safeties and linebackers.”

WHY THE GIANTS STILL LOVE HIM

Even with the injuries, Dart has played extremely well:

• 17 total touchdowns in 7 starts

• 7 rushing TDs

• 5 yards per carry on designed runs

• Scored 30+ points vs. the Broncos and Eagles — something no other QB has done this season

He has shown real star potential. Coaches around the league think the Giants’ job is attractive mostly because of Dart.

But none of that matters if he can’t stay on the field.

WHAT THE GIANTS PLAN TO CHANGE

As Dart returns, the Giants know they must adjust:

• Fewer designed QB runs

• More emphasis on sliding

• Getting out of bounds instead of fighting for extra yards

“The best ability is availability,” Winston said.

Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said they’re definitely thinking about reducing risky plays. One offensive player said he doesn’t expect many designed runs in the game plan against the Patriots.

Coaches have shown Dart videos of other quarterbacks to teach him when to be aggressive and when to protect himself.

For example:

• In “the city” (crowded with defenders) — get down

• In “the country” (open field) — go for it

It’s about picking his spots. Dart says he’s still learning the speed of the NFL and knows he must be smarter now. He actually slid twice in the Bears game before he got hurt.

The team doesn’t want to take away what makes Dart special — his running ability and competitiveness — just teach him to be safer.

“There’s a balance,” said interim coach Mike Kafka.

Eli Manning eventually mastered avoiding big hits while still making plays. The Giants hope Dart can learn to do the same.

Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor summed it up:

“That’s what makes him him. We’re not trying to change him — just get him to play smarter because we need him.”

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