Image courtesy of Bill Kostroun/New York Post
Football
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Faith Ellington
Former Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart Stuns in Rookie Debut
The New York Giants aren’t exactly known for reliable, steady wins. But rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart’s emergence in Week 4 might finally give the Giants the foundation they’ve been searching for.
Despite concerns about starting a rookie, head coach Brian Daboll took a calculated risk and named Dart the starting quarterback against the previously undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. Daboll’s roster change was successful, with the game ending 21-18, and Dart joined Cameron Ward as the only rookies to have started an NFL game this season.
Dart first drew national attention when he transferred to Ole Miss for his final college seasons and quickly became the Rebels’ offensive centerpiece. Even for a football team renowned for its skill, Dart stood out as a force to be reckoned with. He set Ole Miss career marks in total offense (12,115), passing yards (10,617), passing efficiency (162.8), 300-yard passing games (15), rushing yards by a QB (1,498), total offense per play (8.14), and tied for the records in yards per pass attempt (9.5), 400-yard passing games (4). Given his career stats, it’s no surprise that Dart was a Round 1, Pick 25 selection for the New York Giants.
In his first professional career start, Dart led a respectable, though certainly not perfect, game. He wasn’t breaking records like he was at Ole Miss, but Dart’s confidence and cool decision-making underscored his potential at the professional level. Postgame, Giants offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor commented on the contagious nature of the rookie quarterback’s confidence: “The way [Dart] carries himself and the determination he plays with is huge. And you know, just makes me want to run through a brick wall.”
Coach Daboll seemed pleased with Dart’s performance, though still emphasized the ongoing evaluation process at quarterback. For a team starved for fresh optimism and a star player, Giants fans are already pinning their hopes on the so-called “Jaxson Dart effect.”
As the Giants prepare to play the New Orleans Saints next, all eyes are on Dart. His upset over the Chargers certainly calls for optimism, but the Giants will be playing with a weaker roster on the Saints’ home turf. Neither team has had a great season, and Dart may very well be the winning factor.
