Big Blue View
Good morning, New York Giants fans!
Matchup to watch: Vikings’ pass blitz vs. Giants QB Jaxson Dart. The Giants have to find ways to protect their young franchise quarterback. Jaxson Dart (69.1 grade; 27th) was evaluated for a concussion for the fifth time this season against the Commanders in Week 15, and the Vikings’ defense will be after Dart in Week 16.
Through 15 weeks, the Vikings are blitzing on 61.7% of passing downs, and are sixth in EPA per play when blitzing. Dart has played well against the blitz, registering a 70.9 overall PFF grade while completing 62.1% of his passes, but has been sacked 10 times. However, the Vikings will look to light up the young signal-caller and muddy the waters. He’s excellent when creating, but that reckless play style can be exploited.
Kafka didn’t hold back when asked about the nonstop chatter surrounding Dart’s ball security, aggressive running style, and whether all the outside noise is getting into the young QB’s head.
“I don’t necessarily listen to the narratives out there,” Kafka said firmly. “Me and Jaxson talk each day. We talk about what’s important for his job, what’s important for the offense… Don’t get too bogged down with all the other stuff. It’s alright, let’s focus on what we can control today. “I don’t sense that [any confusion or trepidation]. I sense a really aggressive player that’s continuing to learn and grow and build an offense around him, and he’s taking all that in, and he’s making it his own and putting his fingerprint on it.”
“When you can’t control what you can’t control, you don’t try to focus on that,” Neal told reporters on Wednesday after practice. “I just kind of tried to go inward, you know, just focus on Evan, just focus on the things I can do to continue to keep myself mentally strong, physically strong, and just be ready for whatever’s next.”
“I practiced hard, and I just did everything that I could do within the best of my abilities to go out there and play,” he said. “I still see value in myself as a player, and...
