Big Blue View
The New York Giants have one final preseason game to play, hosting the New England Patriots on Thursday night. In truth, though, attention has turned toward setting the 53-man roster and preparing for the start of the regular season.
Here are a few ‘things I think’ as the Giants turn that corner.
The rookie quarterback played so well in the first two preseason games, highlighted by going 14 of 16 on Saturday against the New York Jets with a touchdown and 13 straight completions, that you knew someone would broach the question — for the umpteenth time — with Giants head coach Brian Daboll.
Could Dart do anything to challenge Russell Wilson — right now — for the starting job?
Daboll answered the question the same way he has over and over since the Giants traded up to select Dart No. 25 in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“Russ is our starter,” he said.
Maybe the most impressive thing about the 22-year-old Dart to this point is that nothing has seemed to big for him — on the field or off. He has never seemed uncomfortable or over his head. That includes his dealings with the media.
The first time he spoke to media in person he asked everyone to identify themselves so he could put a name to a face. He has continued to say and do the right things.
Daboll wasn’t the only one to be asked Saturday evening about Dart becoming the starter. A reporter — I won’t tell you which one — baited the young quarterback with an “are you ready for more opportunities with the first team?” question. Basically, daring Dart to say he felt ready to compete for the starting job.
Truth is, Dart should — and probably does — feel capable of starting. He should — and probably does — want to be the starter.
Dart, though, sidestepped the question like it was an onrushing defensive lineman. Or, like he was an old pro.
“I think that I’m just trying to improve myself each and every day,” Dart said. “The quarterback room has played at a very high level. A lot of the guys in my room who I really look up to, so I try to continue to pick their brains.
“I’m in a really unique and cool situation right now. So I’m just trying to learn from them, learn from all my coaches. Whenever my number is called, I think that I’m just going to try to do my best. But I’m also just going to be the best teammate that I can be and try to push this team in the best direction to win.”
Perfectly played.
Dart has impressed at every turn since the Giants drafted him. He has not been perfect — no one ever will be. But, he has done nothing to make you believe that he does not have the talent to become a good NFL quarterback, or the demeanor to...
