By the time Jaxson Dart completed his first pass Sunday, a 2-yard connection to Wan’Dale Robinson, there was 1:44 left…
By the time Jaxson Dart completed his first pass Sunday, a two-yard connection to Wan’Dale Robinson, there was 1:44 left in the first half and the New York Giants trailed Minnesota by 10 points.
Dart finished 7 of 13 for 33 yards and was sacked five times, leading the team to 13 net yards passing. The fifth interception of his rookie season was more on tight end Theo Johnson as the ball went out of his hands, but that doesn’t explain some of the off-target throws that made it Dart’s least productive start in the NFL yet.
“You trust the game plan,” a dejected Dart said afterward the 16-13 loss to the Vikings. “You have those conversations with the coaches and you just do your best to execute them. For myself and for our team, we had our chances and we didn’t do it at a level enough to win the game.”
While interim coach Mike Kafka acknowledged the run-heavy offense was part of the plan, it was a noticeable regression in Dart’s development as a young quarterback. Since Kafka took overDart has completed 60.3% of his passes with three touchdowns and two picks – after completing 62.7% with 10 and three in his first seven starts when Brian Daboll was coaching.
The Giants have lost nine straight to fall to 2-13, and their Week 17 game on Sunday Las Vegas Raiders with the same record could determine who gets the No. 1 pick in the draft. Dart doesn’t care about any of that and has said repeatedly that all he cares about in this lost season is winning.
“It’s just a new experience that I’ve never had before, and it doesn’t make it any easier than what it is,” Dart said. “You just try to do your best to stay positive as much as possible. There’s a quick turnaround every week, so I feel like the moments where you hang on to a loss for too long, it carries over to your next game and preparation. That’s just the mentality and process I try to have.”
Las Vegas was favored by 1 1/2 points on BetMGM Sportsbook on Monday. Kafka said there is “no doubt” that Dart will start, rather than sitting him out in favor of Jameis Winston or Russell Wilson.
What works
The pass rush, led by Brian Burns, puts pressure on opponents. Burns forced a fumble and had two of New York’s four sacks against Minnesota, up his career best total to 15, second in the league behind just Myles Garrett.
“His motor doesn’t stop,” defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence said. “You saw it early in camp. He has been consistent in moving forward this season. I commend him the most. We talk a lot and we understand how important it is to be consistent and attack every play.”
What needs help
A lack of attention to detail, leading to fines, is a major reason why this slippage continues. Jevon Holland had a would-be 96-yard pick-6 called back by an offside penalty on rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter, who was in the neutral zone.
“I know he’s beating himself up about it,” Kafka said. “It’s difficult. He’s trying to take a leap in football, a bit too far. Overall, a very unfortunate match because it takes away points, takes away a huge game.”
Stock up
Ben Sauls had a difficult start to his debut and sailed out of bounds on the opening kick. He rebounded well to make field goals from 27 and 39 yards, and was good on his lone extra point attempt.
The undrafted rookie from Pittsburgh has bounced around, but he may have found a long-term home with the Giants.
Stock down
Veteran receiver Darius Slayton dropped a pass when he was wide open in the fourth quarter. While Robinson has benefited with more goals Number 1 wide out Malik NabersSlayton has missed opportunities and one of the organization’s longest-tenured players could be elsewhere next season.
Injuries
Left tackle Andrew Thomas’ sore hamstring and center John Michael Schmitz’ potentially broken right hand could leave the Giants without two starting offensive linemen for their game in Las Vegas. Cornerback Cor’Dale Flott’s knee injury also weakens the secondary.
Key number
2 – Third down conversions on 10 attempts while the Vikings were able to go 7 of 12.
What’s next
A coaching search soon. Shall general manager Joe Schoen keep his job, or will the owner clean up his house and start over? Until then, the most important thing for Dart is to avoid injuries that could impact next season.
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