New York Giants fans eager to see quarterback Jaxson Dart unleashed in the new offense may need to wait until the regular season to get the full picture. 

From the sounds of it, the offensive staff is still merging philosophies and figuring out the best way to maximize Dart’s physical tools. One thing is very clear, though: a heavy emphasis on running the ball and building the passing game off play action appears to be the path forward.

That was the consensus during a recent discussion about what the Giants’ offense could look like once the training wheels come off. The question centered on what to expect from Dart when the scheme is operating at full speed, without the cautious approach that defined portions of the preseason.

Running the ball sets everything up

The early returns from camp suggest the ground game will be a foundational piece of the Giants’ offensive identity. 

One play that stood out against the Minnesota Vikings featured Francis Mauigoa paving a massive hole for running back Cam Skattebo, who ripped off a huge gain. That kind of physicality up front could define how the Irish attack opposing defenses.

From there, the passing concepts should flow naturally off play action. Simple, effective designs like getting tight end Isaiah Likely open over the middle of the field on short routes after establishing the run are exactly the types of plays that should become staples. 

It’s a formula built on efficiency rather than complexity: run the ball, create conflict for the defense, and let the play-action game do the rest.

Dart’s physical tools fit this system

There is certainly confidence that Dart’s skill set aligns with this offensive approach. While he didn’t operate in this style frequently during his college career, his physical tools suggest he is meant to be in an offense that allows him to roll out, move the pocket, and let defenders chase. 

When Dart gets on the move and the defense scrambles to figure out what they need to defend, receivers find space.

The Malachi Fields’ touchdown illustrated this concept. It wasn’t a designed roll out on that particular play, but when Dart got on the move and the defense was caught reacting, Fields was left wide open. 

Those are the moments that showcase what this offense can become.

Growing pains are part of the process

There are still some wrinkles to iron out. 

Dart threw one notably poor screen pass during camp, and the reason it looked so bad came down to two factors. He isn’t accustomed to the under-center dropback style the offense will lean on more heavily, and the play design itself was flawed. Dart threw the screen with his back turned to the target and never got a chance to check whether the throw was worth making.

Those types of miscues should be expected during this transition period. 

A heavier run emphasis means more under-center work, which represents a significant adjustment for a quarterback who spent most of his college career in the shotgun. The staff is still figuring out the details, and it is admittedly difficult to define exactly what the finished product will look like.

The modern blueprint

Play-action heavy offenses have become a modern blueprint for success across football, and the Giants appear to be building toward that model with Dart at the controls. Getting him on the move, expanding the pocket, and letting receivers flow into open space should be the priority.

The full picture won’t reveal itself until the regular season arrives. But if the Irish can establish the run game and build their passing concepts off that foundation, Dart has the tools to make this offense extremely dangerous.