Jaxson Dart’s first NFL preseason appearance for the New York Giants on Saturday could mark the beginning of his climb up the team’s depth chart. The first-round draft pick completed 12 of 19 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown, guiding the Giants to three consecutive scoring drives in the second quarter of their 34-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
His performance, while eye-catching to fans, came as no surprise to head coach Brian Daboll, who described Dart as “efficient, effective, aggressive, confident in the pocket” while noting there were still areas for improvement.
Dart Shows Grit, Mobility, and Composure in Strong but Imperfect Giants Debut
The standout play of Dart’s debut came when he delivered a precise 29-yard touchdown strike to Lil’Jordan Humphrey despite intense pressure from Bills defensive tackle T.J. Sanders. The hit came immediately after the throw, but Dart quickly bounced back to celebrate his first NFL score with his teammates.
Jaxson Dart (NFL)The rookie also demonstrated mobility, leading additional scoring drives and adding a team-high 24 rushing yards, including a key 19-yard scramble for a first down. His ability to evade pressure while maintaining composure showcased traits the Giants may rely on in the future.
Despite the strong debut, Dart’s performance wasn’t flawless. His opening drive against Buffalo’s starting defense was unproductive, and a batted pass nearly resulted in an interception. He also missed some open targets, reminding observers that he’s still in the adjustment phase to the NFL. Nonetheless, his ability to rebound from early missteps and control the offense for the rest of his outing made a strong case for his development trajectory.
Giants’ Quarterback Battle Intensifies as Dart Strengthens Case for Backup Role
Dart’s debut came on the heels of veteran starter Russell Wilson’s first appearance in a Giants uniform. Wilson completed 6 of 7 passes for 28 yards in a single series, with the drive ultimately stalled by penalties before a Graham Gano field goal.
Jameis Winston followed Dart in the second half, completing 7 of 11 passes for 62 yards and a touchdown, while avoiding disaster thanks to a penalty that nullified an interception. Tommy DeVito, the team’s only returning quarterback from last season, closed the game by going 10-for-14 with 73 yards and a touchdown.
With Wilson already locked in as the 2025 starter, the backup quarterback position remains open for competition. Dart’s first showing significantly strengthened his bid for the role, but Daboll will have the next two preseason games to fully assess the depth chart.
More importantly, the poise and playmaking Dart displayed offer the Giants a promising glimpse of what could be a long-term solution at quarterback, one that might eventually carry the franchise into a new era.
