
The New York Giants look like they may have found their franchise quarterback.
Rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart wrapped up a successful preseason with another strong performance against the Patriots on Thursday night.
Dart looked precise with his passes and led a 65-yard opening drive that ended in a touchdown. Head coach Brian Daboll has long maintained that Russell Wilson will be the Giants’ starting quarterback in Week 1, but a slow start to the season could have fans clamoring for the rookie. Dart threw for 154 yards in his first game, 137 in his second, and ended his preseason with 81 yards against New England after playing in just one quarter.
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Here is more on how Dart fared in his preseason finale.
Jaxson Dart stats today
- Completions/Attempts: 6/12
- Passing Yards: 81
- AVG: 6.8
- Passing TDs: 1
- Interceptions: 0
- Rating: 99.7
- Rushing Yards: 23
- Rushing TDs: 0
Dart was expected to play only the first quarter of the final preseason game, but the rookie was taken out of the game early after hitting his head on the ground while trying to dive on a scramble. While he seemed fine, the refs removed him, and by the time he was cleared to return, Jameis Winston had thrown a touchdown to end the first quarter, signaling Dart’s day was over.
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Jaxson Dart preseason stats
- Completions/Attempts: 32/47
- Passing Yards: 372
- AVG: 124
- Passing TDs: 3
- Interceptions: 0
- Rating: 117.7
- Rushing Yards: 52
- Rushing TDs: 1
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Jaxson Dart highlights in Week 3 preseason game vs. Patriots
Dart made a big play early, scrambling and then finding receiver Gunner Olszewski downfield.
Dart steps in the pocket and makes a play for a big gain!
Watch on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qltI82cRNu— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2025
Dart then hit Greg Dulcich for a touchdown that capped a 65-yard opening drive.
A DART FROM DART
Watch on Prime Video
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/oVeC3jDtOh— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2025
Dart had a huge play on fourth down with his legs but didn’t slide, leading to a lengthy conversation with head coach Brian Daboll on the sideline. Dart was removed from the game by the refs after his head hit the turf on the tackle.
Amazing play by Jaxson Dart to convert a 4th down, but dude… PLEASE SLIDE!!!! pic.twitter.com/8DDfcaXw05
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) August 22, 2025
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Giants QB Depth chart
Position | Player |
1. | Russell Wilson |
2. | Jaxson Dart |
3. | Jameis Winston |
4. | Tommy DeVito |
Wilson has been named the starter for Week 1, but despite being a rookie, Dart has played well enough in the preseason that the veteran may not have a long leash when the regular season begins.
It won’t be long before Dart chants break out at MetLife Stadium. Even if he hasn’t been playing against starting defenses, Dart has looked poised under center and has consistently led scoring drives. If Wilson struggles to do that in the regular season, Giants fans might quickly turn on him.
Winston was the first offseason acquisition for New York. It looked like the Giants may have him be the mentor to whatever rookie they selected, but four days later, the franchise signed Wilson. Now, after training camp and the preseason, Winston’s name is being mentioned in trade talks, and he isn’t even guaranteed a spot on the roster.
The same can be said for DeVito. The allure of Tommy Cutlets has worn off, and the gimmick hasn’t matched his lack of performance on the field. He could be a casualty of roster cutdowns or signed to the Giants practice squad, at best.
