The New York Giants' season continues to slump towards new low points each week, losing 34-24 against the San Francisco 49ers on November 2. It’s an impressive effort by the team given their defense continues to sit in the cellar of every single statistical category; their offensive production seems to be functioning well enough without star wide receiver Malik Nabers or rookie running back Cam Skattebo. New York’s offense can be attributed to one man alone: rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.

The Ole Miss product’s performance since being thrust into the starter spot is what Brian Daboll hoped for. In fact, Dart’s performance has propelled him to a slight favorite to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Such an accomplishment alone cements him as the team’s future franchise quarterback for at least the duration of his rookie contract.

Dart’s Dual Threat Cannot Be Understated

Since becoming the starter in Week 4, Dart has over 1,300 yards from scrimmage both in the air and on the ground. That’s also not counting the 15 touchdowns in those five games, while only committing three turnovers on interceptions. Whatever he can’t do in completion percentage, he makes up for with his legs in short-yardage or scrambling situations.

This is what the Giants hoped to get out of drafting him in the late first round in 2025. Scouts saw his ability to keep a play alive and make good decisions in the pocket when he was on the run. Having a mobile quarterback is one of the priorities the Giants needed since the departure of Eli Manning, with Daniel Jones being a failure before departing for Indianapolis.

One thing we haven’t seen yet is his ability to pass the ball accurately and for long-yardage plays. Dart completed 69.3% of his passes at Ole Miss in 2024 behind a sturdy offensive line and with playmakers Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins going for 1,030 and 906 yards, respectively. It could be since he’s pressured a lot behind a line that has given up the sixth-most sacks in the league this year.

When Dart is given a more sturdy offensive line and when Nabers and Skattebo return to the fold, his abilities will likely be unlocked and we could see him bloom. We’ve seen Dart throw the ball very well during his senior year with Ole Miss, with a 42% completion rate on throws of more than 20 yards. Once Nabers comes into the picture, and if the Giants select a wide receiver in 2026, Dart’s value and potential skyrocket if he keeps this up.

He’s Doing This Against Really Tough Teams

Everyone started turning their heads towards Dart after New York’s convincing 34-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Don’t forget that the Eagles’ defense is one of the best in the league with Cooper Dejean and Jalen Carter at the helm, but he had to play them twice. While he was only limited to just 388 yards and two touchdowns in the air, he still ran for 75 yards and two touchdowns. It’s a good line for a rookie quarterback facing a defending champion team.

Dart also played well against a strong Denver Broncos defense, throwing for three touchdowns and scoring one on the ground. While the team did collapse defensively in the fourth quarter, he’s making statements against good teams. The recent 49ers game is an example, which comes with an asterisk, given San Francisco doesn’t have Nick Bosa or Fred Warner.

The Giants’ schedule is ranked as the fourth-hardest schedule remaining throughout the 2026 season. They have dates against the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears in the next three weeks. This stretch will be Dart’s make-or-break moment for his rookie campaign.