The New York Giants selected Jaxson Dart to be their future franchise quarterback, but their best laid plans will count for naught if the offensive line continues to falter, and Dart has already sent the men up front a clear message.
Fortunately, it’s a message his blockers and Giants fans will love to hear. Dart told the linemen he’d “never played in a pocket like this” after Big Blue didn’t allow a sack on 51 pass attempts during joint practices with the New York Jets on Wednesday, August 13, per Giants.com Managing Editor Dan Salomone.
Superior protection against a loaded Jets front is a good sign the Giants will be better along the offensive side of the trenches this year. Any improvement will only aid and accelerate Dart’s development.
The 25th pick in the 2025 NFL draft is still slated to sit behind veteran passers Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston this season, but Dart put together another solid day against the Jets. Maybe even solid enough to have coaches thinking about bringing his promotion forward.
Jaxson Dart Continuing to Impress
Making the most of a stable pocket is how Dart shows off the arm talent that prompted the Giants to trade back into Round 1 to get him. So it was a good sign when Dart had long enough to connect with undrafted wide receiver Beaux Collins for this deep touchdown highlighted by Giants Nation Show host Bobby Skinner.
Standing tall, setting his feet and waiting for vertical routes to develop is what the Giants want to see from a 6-foot-2, 223-pound signal-caller with exciting arm strength. None of those things can happen without a line able to keep pass-rushers at bay.
No members of the Jets’ defensive front were so much as within reach of Dart when he uncorked this sideline strike to Collins.
Plays like these are why Dart may not sit on the bench for long. Under-pressure head coach Brian Daboll needs Dart to develop ahead of schedule, but it won’t happen if the line doesn’t hold up.
Giants Getting More from Offensive Line
Being more physical and more aggressive are the keys to the Giants getting more from their O-line. Recent results have been encouraging, particularly along the interior.
That’s where experienced guards Greg Van Roten and Jon Runyan Jr. have been asserting themselves. They weren’t about to be pushed around by the Jets, according to NorthJersey.com’s Art Stapleton.
Being the angriest kids on the playground won’t make the Giants a better line, but it’s a necessary starting point for a group pushed around too often last season. Bringing more power to bear will be key, but the Giants also need their five most-talented guys on the field as often as possible.
It will mean getting All-Pro left tackle Andrew Thomas back healthy. He’s still dealing with the Lisfranc injury that ended his last campaign prematurely. Dart will need Thomas back locking down arguably the second-most important position in football.
The members of the Giants’ quarterback room will also need third-year center John Michael Schmitz to up his game. He endured a tough start to camp, but the Giants are counting on Schmitz to provide skill and savvy over the ball.
There are still issues at key spots, but in the meantime, the Giants’ O-linemen on the field are earning Dart’s confidence.
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