EAST RUTHERFORD—Jaxson Dart heard it. Most on the team did, he admitted. It’s near impossible to ignore: the negativity. And for the better part of the last decade-plus, the Giants have lost. A lot.
That’s why almost no one gave them a shot against the Eagles. And that’s what made their 34-17 dismantling of the defending champions so meaningful. It makes the rest of the league take notice. Some might call it a statement victory.
“It absolutely is,” Dart said.
Times are changing for the Giants. They’re still flawed, deserving of their 2-4 record, but it’s different now. Not because of hope, blissful ignorance or wishful feelings. You see it. The tangible proof is what transpired Thursday night.
And why things are changing? Look no further than their signal-caller.
“I’m glad he’s my quarterback,” said Brian Daboll.
New York’s coach deserves more credit than he’s getting. There were members of the front office who weren’t ready to bench Russell Wilson so early. It was Daboll who pulled the plug. The blowback was entirely on him if this failed. The ramifications likely could have resulted in his termination. Most don’t take that risk. Daboll did and his conviction is washing away the hopelessness that’s clouding this once-proud franchise. The entire outlook of this organization shifted once Dart went in.
In the rookie’s first start, he beat the previously unbeaten Super Bowl contender Chargers. He had a setback a week ago in New Orleans. That’s going to happen. Again: He’s a rookie. When there’s a regression, you look for progression the next week. Boy, did Dart progress against Philadelphia. In a short week, nonetheless.
The Eagles pressured him. It didn’t matter. Dart stood tall to still deliver strikes, like the 22-yard, first-down throw to tight end Theo Johnson on third down. He moved within the pocket to buy more time for his receivers, like on his 35-yard touchdown to Wan’Dale Robinson. When guys weren’t open, he used his legs, like on his 20-yard touchdown run on the team’s first possession. When the Giants needed a play, he did it himself, like when he lowered his shoulder to take on two Eagle defenders to get an extra two yards and a first down.
Dart completed 17 of 25 passes (68 percent) for 195 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles. He rushed for 58 more including the 20-yard score in the first quarter. Three quarterbacks have rushed for at least 50 yards in each of their first three starts in the Super Bowl Era, according to ESPN: Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts and now Dart.
“He’s playing fearless right now,” said Brian Burns, who had two sacks to bring his season total to seven. “I respect him… I respect how he’s playing.”
There’s a fine line between confidence and cockiness. Dart is overflowing with the former without ever giving the perception of the latter. That self-belief is infectious. The Giants preached, ever since Daboll arrived in 2022, the need to play complementary football. The offense seldom carried its weight. They ranked 30th in yards per game and 31st in points in 2024. Dart’s elevating the play of those around him in a way the Giants haven’t experienced since Eli Manning’s prime.
They gained 336 yards, 25 first downs, converted 69 percent (11 of 16) third downs and went 4-for-4 in the red zone against Philadelphia. They did so without Malik Nabers (injured reserve) and Darius Slayton (hamstring). Lil’Jordan Humphrey (four catches, 55 yards) and Jalin Hyatt (three catches, 17 yards) started next to Robinson (six catches, 84 yards, touchdown). Rookie running back Cam Skattebo rushed 19 times for 98 yards and three touchdowns, upstaging Saquon Barkley (12 rushes, 58 yards) on the day his documentary debuted.
The defense responded by shutting the Eagles out in the second half. The Eagles punted on their first three possessions. Jalin Hurts threw an interception and AJ Dillon fumbled on Philadelphia’s final two possessions.
“I understand that the most important thing for everybody is winning,” Dart said. “I feel like this city is starving for that.”
Context is needed. The Giants are not a playoff team. They beat the Eagles, yes. Philadelphia was also without all-world defensive lineman Jalen Carter (inactive) and cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (left in the first half) among others. New York’s schedule is still miserable. Next week they travel to Denver to face the Broncos. Then it’s a rematch with the Eagles. Then it’s the 49ers … Bears … Packers… Lions … you get the point.
It seems different now, though. Twenty-four hours ago those were all perceived as certain losses. Maybe the Giants still do lose each, but you can believe they have a chance to win.
And you can feel that way because of their quarterback.
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