Rookie quarterback throws a pair of interceptions
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Not every day is going to be perfect in the life of an NFL quarterback, especially a rookie quarterback just learning the ropes. New York Giants’ rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart had one of those less-than-perfect days during Thursday’s OTA.
Unofficially, Dart went 6 of 12 with a pair of interceptions during Thursday’s practice. Dart also had a couple of passes batted down at the line of scrimmage. He took one rep with the first team during practice.
One of Dart’s interceptions was an underthrown deep sideline route intended for Da’Quan Felton that was grabbed by cornerback Tre Hawkins. The second interception, by undrafted rookie free agent Makari Paige, came when Dart was flushed out of the pocket and moving to his left.
Here are the other quarterback stats for the day:
- Russell Wilson: 10 of 13 with an interception (Dane Belton) and a touchdown pass to Darius Slayton.
- Jameis Winston: 4 of 7 with a long touchdown pass, also to Slayton.
- Tommy DeVito: 2 of 3.
Injury updates
- Wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe) was again held out of practice. Nabers was on the sideline and did listen in on many of the offensive huddles to hear play calls.
- Rookie defensive tackle Darius Alexander (undisclosed) did some agility work and light jogging with trainers.
Graham Gano in good form
The 38-year-old Gano has missed significant time with injuries the past two seasons. After watching Gano make 6 of his last 7 field-goal attempts after returning from injury last season, special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial believes Gano can still be an effective kicker.
“It was good to see him end the season in kicking form,” Ghobrial said. “And he’s looked good. Year 17, a guy that’s done it at a high level for a long time. There is a lot of respect that guy has just obviously entering the building and when you see the way he approaches the game.”
Evan Neal update
The 2022 No. 7 overall pick, transitioning from right tackle to guard, was at left guard with the first team during practice. Jon Runyan Jr., the starting left guard in 2024, is still rehabbing from shoulder and ankle injuries.
“Be a damn pirate”
Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is finding every way he can to emphasize turnovers a year after the Giants had just 5 interceptions and 15 total takeaways. Including the creation of a turnover chest inspired by his son’s T-Ball team.
“So my son, it’s his first year of T-Ball and he’s on the Pirates. So we – again, the main thing is emphasizing takeaways. We got to get better at takeaways. Somehow got the idea of piracy, violent, attacking to steal possessions or goods, right?,” Bowen said.
“You’ll hear our guys say it. I say it ad nauseum: Be a damn pirate. We got to find ways to get the ball. And, again, you get what you emphasize. We’re making it a priority this year to make sure we find ways to get the ball.”
