In a recent game, New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart faced a significant challenge when he took a major hit from New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss. This incident occurred during the first quarter of a matchup that resulted in a 33-15 loss for the Giants.
Dart’s Response to the Hit
Dart was scrambling for yardage when he got tackled hard near the sideline. Despite the potential for injury, he expressed no regrets about his decision to stay inbounds, stating, “No, look, I understand the question, but this is football.” He emphasized that such physicality is an inherent part of the game.
Support from the Team
Following the hit, interim coach Mike Kafka supported Dart’s aggressive play style. Kafka noted that while he preferred Dart to avoid unnecessary hits, it was a legitimate play. Additionally, tight end Theo Johnson defended his quarterback by incurring a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness against Elliss.
- Jaxson Dart’s statistics:
- 17 completions on 24 attempts
- 139 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 4 rushes for 20 yards
- The Giants’ performance:
- Current record: 2-11
- Seventh consecutive loss
- 13 consecutive road losses dating back to last season
Teammates and Future Outlook
Despite the rough hit, Dart continued to demonstrate his competitive spirit, asserting that he would not alter his aggressive play style. Veteran lineman Jon Runyan commented on Dart’s competitive nature, stating, “I told him…be smart, protect ourselves.” Teammates believe in Dart but also want him to take care of his health moving forward.
After the game, Dart reported feeling good and showed resilience by jogging back to the huddle immediately after being hit. He expressed confidence in continuing to play the game his way, emphasizing the importance of using his legs and maintaining his aggressive approach. Dart stated, “My body feels good. I’m going to play aggressive.” The rookie quarterback remains focused on improving and leading his team despite the ongoing challenges.
