Why Giants players feel Jaxson Dart is ready for starting job

After rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart learned that he was replacing Russell Wilson as the New York Giants' starting quarterback for this Sunday's home game against the 3-0 Los Angeles Chargers, Dart insisted he doesn't "really feel pressure" now that he's the CEO of an NFL offense. 

Giants players indicated such a comment is yet another example of Dart's "aura" that impressed his teammates throughout the summer. 

Jaxson Dart has the "moxie" trait

"People like the word moxie — and he’s got some moxie to him," Giants wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey said about Dart, per Darryl Slater and Bridget Hyland of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "You could tell by his body language, how he moved around in the huddle and how he leads. He’s got some goods to him." 

It's no secret that Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen wanted Dart to develop as a backup for Wilson throughout at least a significant portion of the 2025 season. However, that plan changed after Wilson played poorly in two of three defeats to start the season. 

Clearly, Daboll hopes Dart can provide a spark for an offense that recorded zero red-zone touchdown passes over three games. If nothing else, Giants practice squad running back Dante Miller thinks the lights won't be too bright for Dart once he gets close to an opposing end zone. 

"Jaxson’s a dog, so Jaxson is going to be just fine," Miller said. "He’s made for it. He’ll be all right. He has proven he’s a dog. That’s just who he is." 

Dart displayed that "dog" quality when he took an unnecessary hit while rushing for a first down during New York's preseason finale on Aug. 21. Daboll understandably wants Dart "to make the right decision" in those types of situations, but that play seemingly impressed safety Tyler Nubin and other Giants players. 

Jaxson Dart will be a fearless QB1

"He’s got no fear," Nubin added about Dart. "Goes out there and just plays. He doesn’t really do too much thinking. He trusts himself, trusts his preparation." 

Veteran Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton urged Dart "to be himself" behind the scenes, in the huddle and on the field as his club's QB1. While it's too early to know what that version of Dart will achieve versus the Chargers, it sounds like his teammates are ready to follow him into battle.