Ex-NFL Rookie of the Year Shares Take on Jaxson Dart's Debut
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New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart had himself a successful weekend.
As the Giants paid a visit to the Buffalo Bills for their NFL Preseason opener, Dart got a chance to take the field as Russell Wilson's backup early on in the matchup.
It's safe to say the young quarterback's performance was one to rave about. Former NFL Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III was one of many former players to speak positively about Dart's showing.
via @RGIII: The New York Giants have to be happy with what they saw from @JaxsonDart. He made plays with his legs, manipulated the pocket to find throwing lanes and wasn't afraid to let that dog hunt pushing the ball down the field. Great start for the Rebel.
The New York Giants have to be happy with what they saw from @JaxsonDart.
He made plays with his legs, manipulated the pocket to find throwing lanes and wasn't afraid to let that dog hunt pushing the ball down the field. Great start for the Rebel.
12/19 for 154 yards 1 TD pic.twitter.com/4YkjZBMg51 — Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 9, 2025
Throughout the offseason, Dart has received plenty of praise for his poise throughout his first training camp run with the Giants. The first-rounder isn't expected to get a chance to start as early as year one, with Wilson landing support from the head coach Brian Daboll as first on the depth chart, leaving the preseason action to be highly crucial for Dart.
Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants in action during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on July 23, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants in action during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on July 23, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.Along with Griffin, Brian Daboll was impressed with Dart's first action.
"About what I thought he would do. Efficient, effective, aggressive, confident in the pocket. Some stuff we could work on, but he's doing good," Daboll said, regarding Dart's performance.
"There's things he can be better at, but we missed some opportunities on third down. Some drops, it would've been even better for him and us, but he's a confident young player, and he's improved since he's been here. Still got a long way to go, but I enjoy working with him on the sidelines. He sees the game well. ... I'm glad he's here," the head coach finished.
Dart threw 19 passes in Saturday's game. He completed 12 of his attempts, totaling 154 yards. The rookie managed to toss for a touchdown, giving the Giants an early lead.
"Me and [LJ Humphrey] have been connecting a lot during camp and whatnot," Dart said, recalling his first NFL touchdown pass. "He's been a great contested catcher on go balls. I liked my matchup one-on-one, and he was able to win over the top and made a great play."
On the ground, Dart rushed three times. He totaled 24 rushing yards, which led New York's offense in Buffalo.
The Giants will be back on the field on Saturday to play the New York Jets. It's unclear if Russell Wilson will get the nod to go or not, but Dart will likely get a chance to have a handful of series to build on that first performance after the Giants defeated the Bills 34-25.
For more New York Giants and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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