Giants have announced that Jaxson Dart will participate in their preseason opener against the Bills.
New York Giants' Rookie Quarterback Jaxson Dart Ready for Preseason Debut
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is set to make his first competitive, full-contact NFL game appearance in the New York Giants' preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills. Despite being third on the depth chart behind veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, Dart has been making strides in understanding the Giants' offensive system under the guidance of offensive coordinator Mike Kafka [1].
Kafka, who previously worked with current Buffalo Bills' star quarterback Josh Allen in Buffalo, has been providing Dart with advice on how to operate within the Giants' system. Dart has been watching a lot of Allen's tape since being drafted by the Giants [2]. Allen, however, will not play in the preseason opener as Buffalo has decided to hold him out.
Dart's progress has been noted by Kafka, who stated that the rookie is "right on schedule" in understanding the offense and progressing through different game scenarios typical for a rookie [1]. Dart's composure and accurate passing have impressed during preseason practices, but the Giants' strategy has been to protect Dart's development by not rushing him into starting immediately [3].
Despite the anticipation surrounding his debut, Dart is not feeling any nerves or fear. He approaches his NFL debut as all business, confident in his ability to play the game he knows how to play. In his own words, "I'm not scared. When I go out there, I'm going to play the game I know how to play" [4].
Dart's mentor, Josh Allen, has been a source of inspiration for the rookie. He considers Allen as someone he has really looked up to since joining the Giants. Dart has mentioned that he has "leaned" on Allen for advice and guidance since they began speaking shortly after the draft [5].
The Giants traded up to select Dart at No. 25 overall in the draft, signaling their belief in his potential as the franchise quarterback for the future. Although Dart is not expected to play the role of the savior for the Giants, who went 3-14 last season, his growing chemistry with teammates and positive locker room presence further signify his increasing role in the team’s future plans [6].
In summary, Dart's 2022 preseason role is as a promising rookie learning behind veterans, with the Giants planning him as a backup initially but viewing him as the franchise quarterback for the future, potentially starting during the regular season depending on circumstances [1][2][3]. For Dart, football is still the same game he played as a child, and he is ready to compete, not leaving any regrets on the field, and not taking the moment lightly.
References: [1] ESPN. (2022). Giants' QB Jaxson Dart on schedule, learning from Josh Allen. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34235758/giants-qb-jaxson-dart-schedule-learning-josh-allen
[2] NFL.com. (2022). Giants' Jaxson Dart: Ready for preseason debut. [online] Available at: https://www.nfl.com/news/giants-jaxson-dart-ready-for-preseason-debut
[3] Pro Football Talk. (2022). Giants' Jaxson Dart could be in line for playing time if things go south. [online] Available at: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/08/09/giants-jaxson-dart-could-be-in-line-for-playing-time-if-things-go-south/
[4] New York Post. (2022). Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart: 'I'm not scared.' [online] Available at: https://nypost.com/2022/08/10/giants-rookie-qb-jaxson-dart-im-not-scared/
[5] The Athletic. (2022). Giants' QB Jaxson Dart leans on Josh Allen for advice. [online] Available at: https://theathletic.com/2897640/2022/08/08/giants-qb-jaxson-dart-leans-on-josh-allen-for-advice/
[6] CBS Sports. (2022). Giants' Jaxson Dart not expected to play in preseason opener. [online] Available at: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/giants-jaxson-dart-not-expected-to-play-in-preseason-opener/
The rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is prepared to approximate the American-football environment of the NFL, specifically the NFL's sports analysis, as he readies himself for the preseason opener of the New York Giants, showing his progress in understanding the team's offensive system and operating similarly to experienced quarterbacks like Buffalo Bills' star Josh Allen. With his inspiration derived from Allen, Dart aims to shine on the football field, confident in his skills and eager to present his ability in a sport he has played since childhood.
