Giants Urge Rookie Jaxson Dart to Adjust Aggressive Running Style

The New York Giants are advocating for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to refine his running strategy following his recent concussion. Dart, who is currently sidelined and in concussion protocol, suffered the injury during a game against the Chicago Bears on November 12, 2023. He will miss the upcoming match against the Green Bay Packers and is focusing on rehabilitation to return for the game against the Detroit Lions on November 19, 2023.

Inside the Giants organization, there is a growing concern about Dart’s aggressive running style. Colleagues have advised him to be more judicious regarding when and how he chooses to run, particularly since his approach has resulted in multiple concussion evaluations this season. Dart was injured while attempting to gain extra yards during the third quarter of the team’s narrow 24-20 loss to the Bears. This marked the fourth time this season that he has faced concussion assessments, which has caused significant concern among the coaching staff and players alike.

Giants quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney has been working closely with Dart, showing him video clips of various quarterbacks to illustrate the balance between being aggressive and prioritizing self-preservation. The organization has emphasized the impact of Dart missing games, highlighting that his absence ultimately harms the team more than the loss of a few extra yards gained during a play.

Historically, the Giants have faced similar challenges with former quarterback Daniel Jones, who also had to learn to balance aggression with caution. Many within the league appreciate Dart’s physical style of play, but they also question its long-term sustainability, given his propensity for taking risks that could jeopardize his health and career.

In his nine appearances this season, Dart has demonstrated notable performance, completing 62.7% of his passes for 1,417 yards, with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. As a dual-threat quarterback, he has also rushed for 317 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Notably, he became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to score a rushing touchdown in five consecutive games and is currently tied for the third-most rushing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback since 1950, trailing only Cam Newton with 14 and Josh Allen with 8.

Dart’s return will coincide with the leadership of interim head coach Mike Kafka, who was appointed after the dismissal of Brian Daboll on November 6, 2023. The Giants, currently with a record of 2-8, have struggled significantly, with only two wins in their first ten games for the third consecutive year. Under Daboll, the team recorded an overall record of 11-33 since the start of the 2023 season.

In the interim, quarterback Jameis Winston has moved ahead of Russell Wilson on the depth chart and will start for the Giants until Dart clears concussion protocol. Kafka, who previously served as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, will continue to call plays as the Giants seek to turn their season around.

As Dart navigates his recovery, the focus remains on ensuring he can return to the field in a manner that not only benefits his performance but also safeguards his future in the league.