Patriots Brutal Jaxson Dart Hit Isn't a Problem

When asked postgame about his hit that laid out rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and started a brief fight, New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss's response was simple — "Make sure to slide."

Facing a second-and-13 from the New York Giants' 27-yard-line late in the first quarter, Dart escaped the pocket and scrambled towards his right as he looked to get the first down. Elliss then closed in ahead of the first-down marker, lowered his shoulder and promptly popped the QB down. This hit lead to a brief altercation between the Giants and Patriots. But postgame to the media, Elliss said all he was trying to do was his job on the New England defense.

"During the play I saw the scramble, I started chasing him down," Elliss said. "He started tiptoeing on the sidelines and I thought he was just going to go out of bounds but then I saw him tiptoeing, stay inbounds, what am I supposed to do? We play hard on defense, we try to bring life to this team. That's all I was trying to do, do my job and hit anything in the whites"

Jaxson Dart, Mike Vrabel Weigh In on Elliss Hit

One could argue that this hit did set the tone for the Patriots domination over the Giants, with New England going on to win the game 33-15. This extended the Patriots win streak to 10 consecutive victories and brings them to an overall record of 11-2.

However, it is worth mentioning that perhaps the reason the Giants were so quick to come to Dart's defense was that the game at Gillette Stadium marked his first game back in action following spending the past two prior matchups in concussion protocol.

But nevertheless, Dart said hits like he took from Elliss are just a natural part of the game.

I understand the question, but this is football. I'm going to get hit if I'm in the pocket or outside the pocket. I've played this way my whole entire life. It shouldn't be any shocker to anybody if you've followed along with my career. We're not playing soccer out here. You're going to get hit, things happen. It's just part of the game.Jaxson Dart, Dec. 1