He’s already growing irritated by the amount of times he’s evaluated for concussion, but New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart can make one key change to avoid further hassle.
That’s according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. He cautioned Dart “to figure out a way to pop up quicker after hits. His reactions seem to raise alarms with refs/spotters.”
Duggan was responding to an incident from Week 15’s 29-21 defeat to the Washington Commanders. It happened in the fourth quarter, when Dart was required to visit the blue tent to be evaluated after being hit by defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Eddie Goldman.
Dart was left confused and frustrated by the reaction to what he viewed as a routine hit. The first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft feels he’s being treated differently, with an overly “sensitive” regard for his health, following several previous concussion checks.
At the heart of the issue is how effectively Dart protects himself once he breaks the pocket and attacks defenses as a runner. It’s a core part of his game, but the Giants need Dart healthy and available during clutch moments in games.
Jaxson Dart Can’t Ignore Need for Change
The Giants don’t need Dart to shun every chance to run. His dual-threat skills can be invaluable to a developing offense, particularly for the effectiveness of the ground game.
Big Blue generating 163 rushing yards against the Commanders offered ample proof of what Dart can mean for one phase of the offense. Even though he contributed 63 yards on nine runs, the 22-year-old “did a nice job avoiding unnecessary hits on Sunday vs. Commanders. He slid, scrambled and picked a soft edge to get down and protect the ball,” according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
The latter also quoted interim head coach Mike Kafka acknowledging “It’s not like he’s taking guys head-on anymore.”
Dart making subtle changes to when and how he runs is a welcome development after the young signal-caller previously sounded defiant about his high-risk style. Change is needed after Dart’s growing association with concussions and the league’s rules.
Going to the tent at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, December 14 marked Dart’s “5th evaluation since he entered the NFL, including preseason. Has one diagnosed concussion as a pro so far that cost him two games,” per Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News.
How Dart and Kafka’s successor manage this transition will be key to the Giants’ immediate future. Fortunately, there are ways to protect their prized asset.
Giants Can Protect Young QB
Successfully protecting Dart will require filling the playbook with QB-friendly concepts. Moving pockets and bootleg passes should be staples so Dart can still use his legs, but also get rid of the ball quickly.
Adding more play-action throws can also slow a pass rush and protect Dart from needless hits. He’s thrown 33 times off play-action as a rookie, per Pro Football Reference, but this should be central to the Giants’ air attack from next season onwards.
Ultimately though, the onus will remain on Dart to ensure he makes smarter decisions about protecting himself. Particularly in the open field and when it comes to showing referees and spotters he’s okay.
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