You likely recall the time six years ago when the New York Giants believed they were just one quarterback away from contention, with that quarterback expected to be Daniel Jones. Fast forward to now, and it”s easy to overlook the promising starts Jones had during his rookie season, resembling what we see from Jaxson Dart today. Dart has shown flashes of talent this season, even without key player Malik Nabers.
Reflecting on Jones” rookie campaign under head coach Pat Shurmur, his initial starts included impressive performances against teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns, and a remarkable game against the New York Jets with four touchdown passes and over 300 yards. In total, Jones posted 15 touchdowns and no interceptions over his first four games, leading to optimism about his future despite the team finishing with a 4-12 record.
However, as time passed, coaching changes occurred, and the initial excitement faded, culminating in Jones” departure. Now, fans are left to ponder whether Dart can truly be “that guy” for a team that Joe Schoen has had ample time to develop. With the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears, expectations are high. This matchup pits Dart against Bears” star Caleb Williams, with both teams seeking to establish their young quarterbacks as the future.
For the Giants, a loss in Chicago could extend their struggles to a 2-8 record, echoing the disappointing seasons of the past. If the Giants perform poorly, it will cast doubt on the future of the franchise, even with Dart displaying promise on the field. Fans are left to question what the implications would be if the Bears” offense overwhelms the Giants” defense.
The urgency for the Giants to halt their losing streak is palpable. They need to secure a victory to avoid repeating last season”s dismal record. The narrative surrounding the Giants suggests they are ahead of the New York Jets due to having a quarterback. Yet, as exciting as Dart has been, one must wonder if he can replicate the early success that Jones exhibited. Was Jones” decline solely his fault, or did the organization play a role in the team”s struggles? This question remains relevant as Dart takes the helm.
As Schoen and Brian Daboll enter their fourth year with the team, the lack of a winning record and playoff success has raised eyebrows. In comparison, the 49ers have demonstrated how to build a competitive team swiftly. After a poor 2016 season, they rebounded to reach the Super Bowl within three years. The Giants, however, have yet to find similar stability.
While the Jets grapple with their own quarterback issues, the Giants are optimistic about Dart, who has shown flashes of brilliance. Yet, the prevailing sentiment seems to be that despite Dart”s potential, the Giants are not yet out of the woods. The upcoming game against the Bears is critical for the Giants, and it represents an opportunity to start turning their season around.
