Mike Kafka takes a firm stance on potentially benching Jaxson Dart amid the Giants’ recent stretch of brutal offensive performances
New York Giants interim HC Mike Kafka addresses the situation with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart
The New York Giants’ offensive performance against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16 was abysmal. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart only threw for 33 passing yards with 13 passing attempts in his worst performance of the year.
After another bad game, a narrative has grown that Dart is regressing after his hot start to his career. Since Brian Daboll’s firing and Dart’s concussion against the Bears, the Giants’ offense sputtered against the New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, and Minnesota Vikings.
Concerns about Dart’s performance reached peak hysteria, as interim head coach Mike Kafka was asked on Monday whether a benching for the rookie was on the table. He quickly and confidently shot that down.
“We’re full throttle ahead. Jaxson’s running the ship,” Kafka declared. “No question about that.”
Mike Kafka backs Jaxson Dart as Giants QB
Kafka was asked more directly about how he evaluated Dart’s performance and whether he sees a regression in Dart. He elaborated that the game plan impacts the drop-off in his stats.
“I don’t see it that way. I think every game is going to be different” Kafka told reporters. “How we play each game is going to be different. How we think what’s going to help us win the game is going to be different each week. And I think the last couple weeks we ran the ball almost 30 times. So, when you run the ball 30 times, that’s going to limit some opportunities for the pass game. And there’s some games where we’re going to have to use the pass game a little bit more”
Kafka’s explanation for leaning on the run more tells the deeper story of this situation. However, he’s not addressing why they made this identity shift to rely more on their running backs.
Against the Patriots, Dart was blasted on the sideline on national TV, and fans across the country yelped. Against the Commanders, Dart was escorted to the medical tent again, and it became a huge story when a clip emerged of Washington HC Dan Quinn telling his team to be physical with him on Hard Knocks.
Kafka won’t admit that he’s been directed to protect Dart from himself. Sunday’s game was the most conservative the team has been, not letting Dart keep the ball as a designed runner. It was evident that it impacted his play as a passer. Kafka elaborated on Monday that he still feels Dart is doing what’s asked of him effectively.
“So, I don’t see that as a regression for Jaxson,” Kafka told the media. “Sure, maybe the numbers aren’t what they had been in the past. But I think he’s playing well. He’s playing at a high level. There’s certainly things that he can continue to improve on. And we’ve talked through those as a group too.”
With two games remaining, we’ll have to see whether the Giants will continue to be overly protective of Dart. Sadly, if that does happen, it will only hurt his progress as a young passer.
New York Giants News
A confusing identity shift holds back the Giants’ offense and Jaxson Dart in New York’s Week 16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings
The New York Giants produced a stinker against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16.
