New York Giants Win 21-18: Breaking Down Jaxson Dart’s Victorious Debut

The Giants made the call to start Dart after a disappointing Week Three performance from Russell Wilson. With head coach Brian Daboll’s job hanging by a thread, it was time to start his handpicked QB.

Dart started the game hot. The Giants stopped the Chargers from scoring on the opening drive, leading to a punt. The rookie QB capped an 89-yard drive with a 15-yard rushing touchdown. He’d go on to complete 13-20 passes for 111 yards and another score in the air.

This game shows that the right player under center changes everything. The entire offense played with a pep in their step in this game. The offensive line held steady when it mattered, despite allowing six total sacks.

The playcalling fit Dart’s play style in a way it never fit Wilson’s. The ability to run play-action and QB sneaks allowed Dart to rush 10 times for 54 yards. New York converted seven out of 15 third downs in this game. The offense was efficient when it mattered.

The Price Of Winning

The Giants’ first win of 2025 was not without a massive loss. Superstar wide receiver Malik Nabers fell down hard on an attempted catch in the second quarter. He landed awkwardly on his leg and immediately held onto it while lying on the turf.

It’s being reported that Nabers may have torn his ACL. If this is true, it’s a heartbreaking loss for Big Blue. If he misses the rest of the year, it leaves Dart without his number one option for his rookie year. They were establishing chemistry in training camp and practice, but the duo might have to wait until 2026 to dominate.

Nabers’ health comes first, of course. He’s supremely talented and will undoubtedly come back with a vengeance following his first major injury. If Dart can impress without the LSU product, it will only excite the fanbase for his return next season.

Defense Wins Games

Dart went out on Sunday in his NFL debut and defeated the undefeated Chargers. The Bolts looked like a deep playoff team for the first three weeks of the season, and Big Blue dropped cold water on them.

The Giants’ defense allowed Justin Herbert to go 23/41 for 203 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. They also allowed 12 carries from Omarion Hampton for 128 yards and another score.

The defense wasn’t exceptional, but it played well enough to hold a high-octane offense to 18 points. Herbert was sacked twice for 17 yards, and Brian Burns logged his fourth sack of the season. Dexter Lawrence and Andru Phillips each logged an interception, a career first for Lawrence and Phillips’ second of the season.

Dart’s debut brought an energy that the Giants desperately needed. The defense played with an extra spark, causing Herbert to throw two interceptions in a game for the first time since October 22, 2023. This is the defense fans were promised.

New Expectations

The important thing to remember in 2025 is that this season is a soft reset. It’s not about winning double-digit games and making a playoff run. It’s about showing that the future has potential.

With Nabers’ injury and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. out for several weeks, the offense isn’t firing at full power. This is Dart’s development year, and that’s all fans should expect.

The Giants proved they can handle a tough opponent, so they should be able to beat less-than-impressive teams. They face the New Orleans Saints next, who are currently 0-4. This game should end with a New York W.

The schedule is tough, with the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, the entire NFC North, and another Washington Commanders matchup.

While upsets are always possible for the Giants, they should win at least three to four more games this year. If they can beat the Saints, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, and Las Vegas Raiders, it would be a success.

End Of My Jaxson Dart Rant

The Giants’ 2025 season is back on track, and it’s time to see what the future holds. The early impression of Dart is that Daboll made the right choice in drafting the 22-year-old. 

The Giants are a better team than their record projects, but they’re still a long way from sustained success. If they can stay competitive in 2025, Brian Daboll should be off the hot seat. He could have an opportunity to build around his chosen signal-caller.