ClutchPoints
The NFL preseason is tailor-made for overreactions. Every completed pass becomes a prophecy, every touchdown a promise, and every rookie flash a reason to dream about the future. Fans and pundits alike hunger for storylines that project into September and beyond. That environment is fertile ground for exaggeration. The latest example? New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The Giants secured a convincing 31-12 victory over the New York Jets in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL preseason at MetLife Stadium. The Giants displayed an efficient and high-powered offense. They amassed 478 total yards, with 398 through the air. Rookie quarterback Dart was the standout performer. He completed 14 of 16 passes for 137 yards and one passing touchdown. That was along with a rushing touchdown, showcasing his growing confidence and poise. Dart led two consecutive touchdown drives in the third quarter, highlighting his ability to command the offense and make key plays both through the air and on the ground.
The Giants’ offense benefitted from strong contributions across the roster. Those included an 80-yard touchdown catch by rookie wide receiver Beaux Collins and a solid rushing performance by Tyrone Tracy Jr. Defensively, the Giants limited the Jets to just 12 points despite allowing several long rushing drives. The Jets struggled to get their passing game in sync, while the Giants’ defense managed to hold firm. Overall, the Giants showed balanced and effective play in all phases. Dart’s impressive preseason debut signaled a promising future for the team’s quarterback depth.
However, as impressive as Dart’s first NFL action was, it also sparked predictable hype. Let’s examine three of the biggest overreactions to his debut and what they actually mean for the Giants.
Dart’s stat line is the kind that turns heads. He compleded 87.5 percent of his passes for 137 yards and tallied a touchdown through the air and another on the ground. He also did not have a single interception. Dart strung together 13 straight completions, flashing pinpoint accuracy and composure under pressure. At first glance, that kind of efficiency seems like the stuff of fairy tales.
Of course, let’s not lose sight of the context. Preseason defenses don’t throw the exotic blitz packages, disguises, and relentless pressure that rookies will face come September. Dart’s rhythm was aided by quick reads in a no-huddle offense designed to simplify his responsibilities and play to his strengths. That’s smart coaching, but it’s also not the NFL reality he’ll eventually face.
Calling this debut ‘near-perfect’ oversells what was essentially a well-executed cameo in August. Dart deserves credit for maximizing his opportunity and showing poise. That said, a handful of drives against second-string defenders isn’t a reliable predictor of regular-season stardom. This performance was promising, but it was hardly perfection.
The natural next step for some fans is to anoint Dart the Giants’...
