The New York Giants are set to feature Jaxson Dart as their starting quarterback for the upcoming Monday Night Football game against the New England Patriots. After missing the last two games due to a concussion, Dart has officially cleared the protocol and will participate fully in practice this week. Interim coach Mike Kafka confirmed the news on Friday.
Jaxson Dart’s Return to the Field
Dart expressed his eagerness to get back into action, noting that primetime games are important milestones for athletes. “I’m ready. I’ve been waiting for it,” Dart said. He aims to lead his team effectively as they try to recover from a tough season, currently sitting at 2-10 and on a six-game losing streak.
Struggles and Expectations
- The Giants have the challenge of overcoming a franchise-record 12-game road losing streak.
- The Patriots, in contrast, are enjoying a nine-game winning streak and hold a 10-2 record.
- Dart noted that he needs to manage his health better, as he has taken nearly 10 hits per game this season.
Despite feeling capable of playing last week, Dart was advised by medical staff to remain sidelined until he cleared all concussion evaluations. This is particularly crucial since he has faced concussion-related checks four times in eight games since the season began.
Learning from Experience
Dart acknowledged the importance of being more responsible in the open field, noting his past tendency to avoid sliding during plays. He reflected on his transition from college football, stating, “I’m still getting used to this game. I felt I was getting better at it each and every week.”
Acknowledging Coach Daboll
This upcoming game also marks Dart’s first appearance without former coach Brian Daboll, who was dismissed on November 10. Dart shared his respect for Daboll’s coaching skills and credited him for his development as a player. He emphasized the importance of the coach-player relationship, saying, “I have all the respect in the world for him.”
As the Giants prepare for this pivotal matchup, Dart’s performance will be closely watched. His ability to lead and execute under pressure could be critical in changing the trajectory of this struggling season.
