Giants Schedule Reveals Potential Dart Debuts

The moment the New York Giants drafted Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart in the first round, the clock started ticking toward the new era of East Rutherford football.

Dart is a project passer who is expected to have a redshirt season of sorts. Veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston ease the burden of starting him too early, and both figure to give the Giants a better chance to win than an undercooked Dart.

Still, between a fanbase clamoring for its quarterback, the likelihood of head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen losing job security, and the passer’s development, it is entirely possible that Dart sees playing time in Year 1.

On Wednesday, the Giants' schedule was revealed, and with it are three distinct options for Date to make his NFL debut.

Week 9 vs. San Francisco 49ers

New York’s early-season schedule is loaded and thus unwelcoming to a rookie passer. Playing each division rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Los Angeles Chargers over the first six weeks is a tall enough task to make the Giants feel less certain under center.

The 49ers are by no means an insignificant opponent, but they appear to be a step below the Super Bowl contenders preceding them. After San Francisco, Dart can ease into things against the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers defenses, either of which are particularly imposing.

If he’s starting this early, it’s probably the result of Dart exceeding expectations.

Week 15 vs. Washington Commanders

If Dart is getting his de facto redshirt year, Week 15 is the ideal compromise between development and getting NFL snaps on tape. One can only learn so much in the final month of the season, and 13 prior games is plenty to study.

Washington is a hefty foe, but Dart would be playing them in MetLife Stadium. Down the stretch, New York plays the Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys.

Most importantly, the Week 14 bye gives Dart an extra week to prepare for his first action.

Week 18 vs. Dallas Cowboys

Similar to Week 15, getting Dart into game action would be a small sample size, but still beneficial. In this scenario, the Giants wouldn’t have anything to play for in the final week, allowing for a gracious transfer of power. Dallas, in an ideal world, wouldn’t, either.

Playing against the Cowboys B team would provide a soft landing for the rookie passer and a chance to get a feel for the rivalry in Year 1.