There is no way to know how we will look back on the significance of this day one year from now, five years from now, perhaps a decade from now. Was this the start of something big? Will it be remembered fondly as the birth of a new chapter in Giants football? Or as another swing that resulted in another miss?
There is no reason to call what goes down Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium the opening of the Jaxson Dart era, as we have no idea if this turns into a long and distinct period in franchise history. The Giants hope it is the spawn of a new era and not a repeat of a familiar error. The only certainty for now is that Dart makes his first NFL start when the winless Giants face the unbeaten Chargers, and the only surprise here is the when.
“It was a matter of time,’’ guard Jon Runyan Jr. told The Post. “This organization made their mind up back in April when they drafted him, it was a matter of time for this to happen. I didn’t think it was going to happen this early. This is the situation we’re dealt.’’
The situation is not ideal. What around the Giants is nowadays? The plan was for veteran addition Russell Wilson to keep the starting job long into this season, but that plan was scrapped when Wilson and the offense were barely competitive in two of the three losses. Ready or not, the 22-year old Dart, imported with the No. 25-overall pick in the first round of the 2025 draft, takes over sooner than envisioned.
Head coach Brian Daboll gushed about Dart during the draft process, after he was secured, and on into the spring and summer. Dart played six snaps in the first three games and did not attempt a pass. Now all the gushing turns to action in a results-based business.
“I don’t really feel pressure,’’ Dart said. “I feel like pressure is given to those who play at a high level, and the best players in the world are the ones that are kind of involved with that word, pressure. I don’t feel it from that standpoint. My focus is just trying to win one game at a time. We’ve been so close each week, and it’s been tough to watch.’’
He will no longer be watching. He is tasked with getting stud wide receiver Malik Nabers the ball more often than Wilson was able to deliver. Nabers’ 32 targets in three games is more than enough. His 16 receptions is less than sufficient.
Dart should benefit from a full load from left tackle Andrew Thomas, who did not play in the first two games and was on the field for just 28 snaps in Week 3 as he ramped up from offseason foot surgery.
It is inaccurate to state the locker room was abuzz and there was renewed sense of enthusiasm when it sunk in that Dart was getting the start. But he is clearly well-liked, and has uncommon poise and leadership traits for someone so young and new on the scene.
For every comment like this from veteran receiver Darius Slayton — “I think he’s got dynamic running ability. … And that right arm is rocker power. He can spin it. He’s got all the skills you need to be a successful quarterback in the league’’ — there is this cautionary tale from Slayton — “Every quarterback is different. We’ve been kind of getting used to Russ and what he likes and what he does, and now we’re going to adjust and get used to Jaxson and what he does. There’s always a learning curve to that.’’
Fans may be viewing this as a fresh start. The Giants are not.
“I wouldn’t say it’s like a new beginning,’’ receiver Wan’Dale Robinson told The Post. “We’re three games in and you can’t restart that clock.’’
What is the biggest fear with a rookie making his debut?
“I just hope he’s not nervous,’’ Robinson said, “but I don’t think he will be. He’s a confident kid.’’
We shall see.
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