Dart shows promise in Giants preseason finale

Rookie Jaxson Dart shows playmaking in the finale while the Giants keep Wilson as starter and weigh a quicker path for the rookie.

Dart shines in preseason finale Giants map a new quarterback path

Jaxson Dart started the Giants preseason finale against the Patriots and wasted little time making plays. He opened with a short pass to Gunner Olszewski that went for 50 yards, then capped the drive with a 7 yard touchdown to Greg Dulcich. Dart finished 6 of 12 for 81 yards, with five drops by receivers limiting the stats. A 13-yard pass was wiped out by a holding penalty, stalling another drive. He left the field after a hard hit on fourth down triggered a concussion protocol but was cleared and returned to the bench.

Coach Brian Daboll has kept Russell Wilson as the starter for Week 1, a stance that remains unchanged after the finale. Still, Dart’s August shows have fans rethinking when the rookie could get a real chance. The Giants want to develop in a pro system while staying competitive, a balance that could tilt toward an earlier appearance if Wilson struggles. In short, the preseason produced a compelling case for a sooner decision, not a far-off plan.

Dart’s speed and improvisation bring a different rhythm to the Giants' offense. When he moves out of structure, he buys time and makes throws on the move, offering a contrast to Wilson's steady, veteran approach.

That contrast puts Daboll in a careful spot. The coaching staff must weigh development against winning now, and a decision to accelerate the Dart timeline would change how the team uses its practice time, the playbook, and the same room with Wilson. The preseason momentum creates pressure, but patience can pay off if Dart continues to grow under the league's system.

Highlights

Time will tell whether the optimism around Dart translates to wins.