Giants Rookie QB Jaxson Dart credits unique resource for his rapid NFL growth, and hardly anyone is talking about it
New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has an important resource that’s boosted his development.
At the start of training camp, the New York Giants quarterback room was complicated.
They brought in former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson to start the year. They signed former first overall pick and Heisman trophy-winning quarterback Jameis Winston to serve as the backup and be a key leader. And, of course, they drafted Jaxson Dart 25th overall out of Ole Miss.
No one really knew what to expect from the quarterback room this season. There was a lot of speculation about who would start the year and for how long, but there was little clarity.
Now nine games into the season, the quarterback room could not have been more impactful. Dart is playing at an Offensive Rookie of the Year level since taking over in Week 4. And there is an underlying reason for his rapid rise: his fellow quarterbacks Wilson and Winston.
“They’re backup quarterbacks that have had a lot of experience, that provide a lot of value when you’re in the meeting room,” head coach Brian Daboll told reporters today, “They stay late with Jaxson, watch tape together, all three of them, give good input. I think they’re a good resource for a young quarterback.”
The key to Jaxson Dart’s development
Today, when speaking to the media, Daboll and Dart both revealed key ways in which Wilson and Winston have significantly helped Dart. According to Daboll, Dart’s exposure to their experience has been transformative.
“It’s very interactive in the quarterback meeting room. All three of them have good ideas, but it’s good to be able to listen to guys that have played,” Daboll told the media, “Again, I’ve been around a number of quarterbacks that have a lot of veteran experience, that offer a lot of valuable insight, very productive ones, and these guys are two of them that I think provide that for the room and for the team.”
Dart provided an interesting perspective that Winston has acted as an extra coach. He’s even gone as far as testing the rookie every chance he gets.
“He’s like a coach on the field, in the film room, when we spend extra time. He’s, a lot of times, just quizzing me constantly,” Dart told reporters, “He’s teaching me things that he’s gone through in his past. And at the same time, our relationship goes far beyond just the football field.”
Dart also pointed out the impact of Winston’s energy on the locker room, noting that it’s been easy for the team to hang their heads during their recent skid.
“He brings so much energy and optimism and positivity every single day,” Dart told reporters, “And he’s a guy that never wavers regardless of what’s going on around him.”
Arguably, the most essential factor in a quarterback’s early-career success is their situation. Right now, Dart is in a tough one with their roster’s limitations and the uncertain future of their head coach and general manager. However, it’s underrated that Dart has the resources of both Winston and Wilson to help him through his growth journey.
New York Giants News
Giants’ lack of moves at the NFL trade deadline speaks volumes about the current state of the team
The New York Giants left the NFL Trade Deadline without making any moves
