Giants' Brian Daboll sends message to Jaxson Dart after concussion scare

Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart gave New York Giants fans and head coach Brian Daboll quite a scare when he took an unnecessary hit while rushing for a first down late in the first quarter of Thursday's preseason game against the New England Patriots.

Following the Giants' 42-10 blowout win, Daboll sent a direct message to Dart regarding when a signal-caller should protect himself during a contest. 

"I wouldn’t coach it out of him," Daboll said about Dart using his legs to make plays, as shared by Connor Hughes of SNY. "There’s just certain times that you have to make the right decision. In this particular game, it's probably a good time to slide."

Dart ultimately cleared the concussion protocol but had his preseason come to an end after his head bounced off the MetLife Stadium turf. In total, he completed 32-of-47 passes for 372 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions over New York's three August victories. He also rushed for 52 yards and a score on six carries, the last of which should serve as a teaching moment for the 22-year-old. 

"If you're going to take a big hit, then you slide," Dart acknowledged after the win. "But I didn't feel like I was in a situation where I was going to take a big hit, so I felt like I could extend the play." 

Dart reportedly has impressed his teammates with his his study habits, play recognition and "aura" ever since the start of springtime workouts. That said, wide receiver Darius Slayton wants the young quarterback to remember that the most important ability as it pertains to contributing during games is availability. 

"He’s definitely not scared," Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton said about Dart, as shared by Darryl Slater of NJ.com. "But we try to remind him: 'You don’t have to prove you’re not scared. I’ll take your word for it. Just slide. I believe you’re tough.' But that’s just his DNA. That’s what he’s made of." 

Dart should have plenty of time to work on his sliding, as Russell Wilson is the Giants' undisputed starter heading into their Week 1 game at the Washington Commanders on Sept. 7. If, however, Dart enters that afternoon as New York's QB2, he could find himself one play away from facing a live defense in a meaningful game on the first Sunday of September.