Jaxson Dart makes feelings about Giants QB situation clear after stellar preseason

New York Giants rookie  quarterback Jaxson Dart capped off a stellar preseason with a third-straight impressive showing in the club's 42-10 blowout win over the  New England Patriots on Thursday night. 

Dart's prime-time performance against the Patriots did little to silence those who have been calling for the 22-year-old to be named the Giants' Week 1 starter over veteran Russell Wilson. While speaking with reporters following his final outing of August, Dart made it clear that he understands who will be in the lineup for Big Blue's regular-season opener at the Washington Commanders on Sept. 7.

"I feel like whenever my number is called, I’m gonna go out there, I’m gonna play my game and I’m gonna ball," Dart said, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "That’s just my mindset any time I touch the field. Obviously, Russ is the starter, and he’s going to do amazing. He’s had such a great camp and has played at an elite level. My job is just to be the best teammate and be ready whenever it is. I’m excited for Russ and what he’s going to do this year."

An update shared shortly before Thursday's contest got underway noted that the Giants still wanted Dart "to develop behind the scenes while veteran Russell Wilson leads an improved roster this season." However, that was before Dart connected on six of 12 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown against New England. He would have produced even better numbers had he not been a victim of a couple of drops. 

Across his three preseason appearances, Dart completed 32-of-47 passes for 372 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also contributed six carries for 52 yards and a score on the ground. 

Nevertheless, the first-round draft pick backed his mentor to get the nod for at least the Washington matchup. 

"Russ has completely earned that role," Dart added during his comments on Thursday night. "I just want to be the best teammate, and I want this team to win, so whatever my role is for that to happen, I’m going to do that to the best of my ability."

It's unclear if Dart or Jameis Winston will be the Giants' QB2 at Washington's Northwest Stadium. That said, one can't help but wonder if Wilson will find himself playing to hold onto the starting job that Sunday afternoon.