Jaxson Dart will start at quarterback Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, replacing veteran Russell Wilson, and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka is eager to see what the rookie first-round pick can do.
“I’m excited for Jaxson and his opportunity,” Kafka said. “He’s been preparing for this, putting together a great week of practice. Russ has been nothing but a pro. It’s never easy to get in that situation, but he’s a captain of our team and his leadership still carries through the locker room.”
Kafka pointed to Dart’s consistency in meetings and practices as reasons for confidence. The rookie, drafted out of Ole Miss, has impressed the coaching staff.
“You just see it on a daily basis — the preparation, the leadership in the meeting rooms, the way he handles scout team reps,” Kafka said. “He’s been very productive as a player, and I’m excited to see him roll.”
Dart showcased his dual-threat ability in the preseason with a mix of read-option runs and vertical passing, and the Giants are expected to tailor their offense to his strengths. That could mean more run-pass options (RPOs), designed quarterback runs, and quicker tempo.
Still, Kafka acknowledged the speed of the regular season will present a new challenge.
As a play-caller, Kafka said he’s mindful of the difference between dialing up plays for a 14-year veteran like Wilson vs. a rookie like Dart. The goal, he explained, is to simplify the plan and build around what Dart is most comfortable with.
“It’s about giving him the stuff he knows, he likes, and then letting him go play ball,” Kafka said.
That likely means keeping Malik Nabers, the Giants’ most explosive playmaker, at the forefront of the game plan after a quiet outing against Kansas City. Kafka admitted the coaching staff needs to do more to feature Nabers, while also creating opportunities for complementary weapons like Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and running back Cam Skattebo.
The Giants will be tested immediately. The Chargers enter the matchup 3-0 and boast one of the NFL’s top defenses, anchored by All-Pro safety Derwin James. Los Angeles mixes its coverages well and thrives in zone schemes, a potential trap for a rookie quarterback.
Protection up front will also be crucial. Left tackle Andrew Thomas returned last week on a limited snap count, and the Giants hope to have him at full strength to steady an offensive line that has struggled with interior pressure.
Kafka emphasized that Dart will need to be smart when using his legs — a part of his game that made him a college standout but could expose him to hits at the NFL level.
“He’s an aggressive player, but he knows he has to be smart,” Kafka said. “It’s a different level here, but I trust he’ll make the right decisions.”
While the spotlight shifts to Dart, Kafka said Wilson has handled the transition with professionalism and continues to be a valued leader in the locker room.
“He’s handled it about as well as you can,” Kafka said. “That’s not easy, but he’s going to continue to be a great leader and help Jaxson as best he can.”
The Giants enter Sunday’s matchup with plenty of intrigue not just because of Dart’s debut, but because of how the offense will evolve around him. The rookie’s confidence and swagger have already made an impression on teammates, but his first true test comes against one of the league’s stingiest defenses.
Kickoff between the Giants (0-3) and Chargers (3-0) is set for 1 p.m. ET Sunday at Metlife Stadium.
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