In reviewing Jaxson Dart’s 2025 season, I wrote:
“He is one of the most interesting quarterbacks to keep an eye on because he is capable of taking off and becoming a star. But he is also capable of stagnating due to some bad habits and his overall style of play.”
After his Week 1 performance against the Cowboys, it’s clear that Dart used the offseason to try and become the former because many of his bad habits were clearly addressed. And he looked like a different quarterback on Sunday night.
As a rookie, Dart’s footwork was sloppy:
He often refused to let the game come to him, instead opting to look for the big play or make something happen with his legs. That led to some spectacular plays. But it also led to him leaving big completions on the field.
Just take a look at this play below. He had a shot to hit either of those deep crossers. But he was never ready to release the ball despite a clean pocket, and he instead looked to run as soon as he saw an opening. The result was a sack instead of a big play:
In Week 1, however, the difference to Dart’s game was dramatic.
Just take a look at this 3rd-and-9 in the first half. Watch Dart quickly process the coverage as he dropped, make his decision, hit his back foot with no hitch, and then get the ball out on time:
Footwork, processing, and reacting all go hand in hand. Being precise with your feet allows you to get rid of the ball the instant you recognize that a receiver will be open.
Let’s take another look at that from the sideline angle. The Cowboys were trying to fool Dart by spinning out into a Non-Traditional-Tampa-2 coverage post-snap and robbing the middle:
Dart quickly processed it, knew the cornerback to the backside would be getting depth and moving inside to become the 2-deep safety, and knew that Nabers’ route would have leverage to the outside:
Dart also quickly realized the type of throw that would be required. It was one where he needed to feather the ball over the flat defender, which he did perfectly:
That, to me, is a more exciting and meaningful play for the future of the Giants franchise than any scramble or run-around highlight Dart could provide.
Here’s another example from the same drive. Watch Dart drop back with purpose, hitch quickly, and get the ball out on time: