Giants Urge Jaxson Dart to Adjust Running Style After Concussion

The New York Giants are advocating for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to reconsider his aggressive running style following a concussion he sustained during a recent game. Dart, who remains in concussion protocol, will miss this Sunday’s match against the Green Bay Packers after suffering the injury during a run in last week’s game against the Chicago Bears.

During the week leading up to the game, individuals within the Giants organization communicated their concerns to Dart. They emphasized the importance of being cautious about when and how he runs. Dart is attempting to return from the concussion protocol in time for the following week’s game against the Detroit Lions. He was seen participating in stretching exercises during practice last week, indicating his commitment to recovery.

The coaching staff, including quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney, has been showing Dart videos of various quarterbacks to illustrate the distinction between aggressive play and self-preservation. They aim to help him understand that while gaining extra yardage is crucial, his availability is even more vital to the team’s success. This message resonates especially as Dart has been evaluated for concussions multiple times this season, including during the preseason.

Dart’s style of play has garnered admiration across the league, yet it raises concerns about its sustainability. He has shown a tendency to push for additional yards, sometimes at the cost of his safety. In the game against the Bears, Dart fumbled while attempting to gain extra yardage, a play that ultimately led to his concussion.

As of now, Dart has played in nine games this season, completing 62.7% of his passes for 1,417 yards, with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. His capability as a dual-threat quarterback is evident, as he has rushed for 317 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Notably, he is the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to score a rushing touchdown in five consecutive games, placing him among the highest-scoring rookie quarterbacks since 1950, second only to Cam Newton and Josh Allen.

The Giants are currently experiencing a challenging season, with a record of 2-8. This marks the third consecutive year the team has struggled to secure wins, leading to significant changes in the coaching staff. Following the dismissal of head coach Brian Daboll, Mike Kafka, the team’s assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, has stepped in as interim head coach. Kafka has confirmed he will continue to call plays, and Jameis Winston has been named the starting quarterback while Dart remains sidelined.

Daboll’s tenure concluded with a record of 20-40-1, resulting in a 0.336 winning percentage, one of the lowest in Giants history. The organization is now focused on improving their performance and adapting strategies to ensure the long-term success of their young quarterback, Jaxson Dart. As he prepares to return to the field, the hope is that he will balance his natural aggression with a more cautious approach that prioritizes his health and the future of the franchise.