One game into the 2025 NFL Preseason, Jaxson Dart looks comfortable in a New York Giants jersey.
That doesn’t come as a surprise, considering Dart’s mentality leading up to the matchup.
“Football is football,” Dart told reporters just days before his first preseason battle.
“Obviously, you’re taking the next step, so it’s a little bit more advanced and just little details and whatnot, schematics. At the end of the day, it’s the same game you’re playing when you were a kid. So, you just enjoy that, compete, don’t leave any regrets out there on the field, and don’t ever take this moment lightly, and there’s no light that’s too bright to play in.”
Dart’s actions matched his words on Saturday. The former Ole Miss star looked more than ready for the moment, as he delivered a 12-19, 154-yard performance.
The rookie made a highlight throw in the second quarter to put the first touchdown on the board for the Giants.
JAXSON DART FIRST TD PASS IN THE NFL.Lil’Jordan Humphrey on the other end!Watch on @NFLNetworkStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/afUQ8Ijt59
— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025
“Me and [LJ Humphrey] have been connecting a lot during camp and whatnot,” Dart said after the game. “He’s been a great contested catcher on go balls. I liked my matchup one-on-one, and he was able to win over the top and made a great play.”
After getting his first real taste of NFL action, Dart’s confidence remains high.
“I felt good. I felt good about it. It was kind of my first time doing a silent cadence in a road game atmosphere,” Dart said.
“We did have a few pre-snap penalties that we got to grow on and continue to improve on those things, but I was happy overall about it. I was really happy with how our O-line played. I don’t think we had a sack all game if I’m right. They played amazing, and I was happy with our operation.”
Dart followed Russell Wilson, who got the start on Saturday. Wilson threw for six completions off seven passes for 28 yards. He helped the Giants notch a field goal early on.
It’s unclear if Saturday’s rotation was an indication that Dart is beginning to lock up the second spot on the quarterback depth chart, but for now, Dart is gaining reps over the veteran Jameis Winston.
When Winston checked in, he completed seven of his 11 passes for 62 yards. Winston also threw for a score. The Giants ended with Tommy DeVito under center. The veteran completed 10 of his 14 passes, generating 73 yards and one touchdown.
The Giants defeated the Bills 34-25. They’ll get back to work next week to begin preparing for the New York Jets. That matchup will be go down on Saturday, August 16. The status of Wilson is unknown at this time.
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