Big Blue View
The New York Giants and quarterback Jaxson Dart know that the second year pro needs to avoid some of the big hits he took last season. But Giants head coach John Harbaugh made clear they won’t handcuff Dart by taking the quarterback run game away from him.
Harbaugh is, of course, familiar with the dangers presented by a running quarterback — both to the opposition and to your own team. He saw both sides while coaching Lamar Jackson. He realizes “things can happen out there” even if a quarterback tries to protect himself.
“Jaxson is a guy that does give you a chance to live in all those different worlds,” said Harbaugh during a recent appearance on ‘The Dominique Foxworth Show. “So, if he can do it, then we’re gonna do it, and that’s what we’re planning on doing.”
“But I do think playing the game in a way that respects that there are other guys out there that are capable of doing damage to you when you have the ball in your hands, especially for the quarterback, is important. I trust that Jaxson Dart understands that.”
Can Matt Nagy develop Jaxson Dart into a talented NFL quarterback? Nagy landed the Giants’ offensive coordinator job thanks largely to the success he achieved in two stints with the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. New head coach John Harbaugh and Giants brass believe they have a promising prospect in Dart, who went 4-8 as a starter last season but remains very raw.
Nagy must help Dart improve his accuracy and decision-making while also helping him learn how to find balance when it comes to using his legs to make plays and putting himself in harm’s way. Nagy’s ability to position Dart for success hinges largely on the health of Malik Nabers, who continues to rehab from an ACL tear that required surgery and robbed him of 13 games last season. Without the team’s go-to receiver, Nagy will have to work even harder to create high-percentage throwing opportunities despite working with a collection of receivers who lack game-changing ability.
Running back Cam Skattebo and wide receiver Malik Nabers are both coming off of season-ending injuries and Skattebo was further along when the team wrapped up their offseason program. During an appearance on The Domonique Foxworth Show, Harbaugh said that remains the case and that Skattebo’s ankle should be well enough for him to be working in the first days of training camp. The timeline for Nabers isn’t as clear, but Harbaugh said the wideout is “not far behind” his teammate.
“They’re doing well,” Harbaugh said....
