New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart enjoyed a dramatic victory in his first career start in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers. That winning feeling unfortunately lasted just seven days as he suffered the first defeat of his career against the New Orleans Saints this past Sunday.
In just two weeks, Dart has now experienced the highs and lows of being a starting quarterback in the NFL. This week, that was one of the main topics discussed with the media, as well as how he’s handling things as the leader of a professional franchise.
Let’s dive into some of the highlights from his Tuesday presser.
On how he’s handling being front and center vs. a backup two weeks ago
Dart: I honestly feel like I kind of take it pretty naturally. I’ve played a lot of football in my college career. I had a lot of games in different places at two different schools. I was the 17-year-old my freshman year doing the same thing. I understand the role of the quarterback. At the same time, it was great watching (quarterback) Russ (Wilson) and how he operated it, which was a really good example. He still does a really good job of it. Even (quarterback) Jameis (Winston), taking their advice, seeing how they communicate. I feel like I’m in a great room to learn, but at the same time, I feel like it definitely comes naturally to me.
On his first divisional game at home vs. the Eagles
Dart: Obviously, divisional games, they hold a little more weight. Obviously, understanding the history of this matchup and the intensity of it carries weight as well. I’m really just excited to get out there on the field Thursday night and have a lot of fun competing.It’s going to be a really cool environment.
On looking up to Eagles’ QB Jalen Hurts during his collegiate career
Dart: First of all, I love his mentality, his everyday accountability of himself, and at the same time, raising the bar for his teammates. That was something, as an early college player, being able to look up to guys like that. It’s going to be really cool to be on the same field with him and being able to compete against him. At the same time, him just being a really good competitor and being able to do a lot of things with his arm and with his legs and putting his team in really good situations to win.
On responding to the first loss of his NFL career
Dart: This was my first loss in the NFL, and for just being realistic, it’s not going to be my last. Obviously, you don’t want those things to happen, but it’s just part of the game. So, just trying to come back, identify the things I need to work on, at the same time being able to say things I did well, and then try to carry those over to the next week. Just the communication with the guys and trying to just keep the confidence high with the players on the team, and us being able to go out there and execute when we need to.
On how he’s built a strong relationship with TE Theo Johnson
Dart: Yeah, I’ve been high on Theo since I really played against him in college. We played in the Peach Bowl, and he had a touchdown. I think just as a player, as a competitor, you’re able to see guys who do a lot of really good things, even if they’re on a different team. So, I’ve known about him since college. Obviously, what stood out initially was his combine numbers and just athletic he was. So, I was really excited coming in here to be able to be on the same field with him. He’s been nothing but just hardworking and a guy who you can really trust out there on the field, so I look forward to continuing to develop our timing, our relationship with each other. I’m just excited to be able to play with him for a long time.
On his return to MetLife in Week 6
Dart: Yeah, home games are special because you’ve got people behind your back, you’ve got the crowd, you’ve got the energy, and that’s what makes it fun. I’m definitely excited, and it’s definitely important to play really well at home.
For a little extra, here’s what head coach Brian Daboll had to say this week about his quarterback:
On Dart holding himself accountable to his teammates following his first loss
Daboll: I understand that. I’m not saying he was the same, but even after the first game he played and we won, he goes back to the things that he could have done better. I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for the young man and how he’s handled really everything on the field, off the field. It’s no surprise that’s the type of guy that he is. He’s a pleasure to work with. I don’t want to sell him short, and I know what he’ll say, but I thought he did a lot of good things that gave us chances. We’ve got to take advantage of those chances.
On how Dart’s accountability can resonate with his teammates
Daboll: I think they all respect Jaxson for his talents, one, and how he is. He’s a pretty humble guy. They see how he works. They know he’s a rookie. Again, there are going to be ups and downs. There’s no young quarterback I’d rather have to work with than Jaxson.
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