Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart continues to impress and coaches all around the league are taking notice.
You can now add 49ers defensive coordinator and former Jets head coach Robert Saleh to the list of names that have seen what Dart has brought to the Giants and coach Brian Daboll’s offense the last few weeks.
“He is uber talented. I understand why Daboll went to the blue tent. I probably would’ve went too. I mean, kid’s good man. He’s a really, really, really good kid,” Saleh told the media on Thursday. “I think New York hit on this one big time.”
Saleh, of course, was referencing when Daboll went into the blue tent while Dart was being evaluated for a concussion during their Week 6 win over the Eagles — an infraction Daboll and the Giants were fined for weeks later — but the former Gang Green head coach couldn’t help but gush over what he’s seen this week prepping for Dart.
“He’s dynamic, he’s decisive, he’s accurate. He’s been a joy to watch just studying his tape over the last, what, five starts now? They’re doing a really good job with him,” he said. “There are certain things they’re asking of him, but they’re doing a good job hiding it within their weekly game plans. I’ve always thought Daboll’s done a really good job, him and [offensive coordinator [Mike] Kafka, they put a lot of strain on defenses. And this kid, he’s going to be special.”
Saleh's comments come less than two weeks from when Broncos head coach Sean Payton gave Dart his flowers after Denver's comeback victory — while delivering a dig at Russell Wilson.
Dart’s four-week performance in October earned him NFC Offensive Rookie of the Month honors, where he threw for 873 yards and seven passing touchdowns. He added 141 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
In total, Dart has made five starts since taking over for Wilson in Week 4. In that span, he’s thrown for 984 yards while throwing for eight touchdowns and rushing for 195 yards and four touchdowns.
However, Dart and the Giants are on a two-game losing streak and look to get back in the win column. Dart will have his work cut out for him, as Saleh’s 49ers defense ranks eighth in the NFL in points per game (20.5) and 15th in rushing yards per game (107.9).
Sunday will also be Saleh's return to MetLife Stadium after parts of four seasons as the Jets' head coach.
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