The New York Giants are heading into the 2026 season with a young quarterback who has already become one of the most discussed players on the roster. Jaxson Dart’s rookie performance, a revamped offense, and a stronger group of weapons have given fans plenty of reasons to expect another step forward.
But with these expectations climbing, one NFL analyst believes there is still a major part of Dart’s game that needs to develop before the Giants can make bigger projections.
Jason McIntyre Questions Jaxson Dart Hype Ahead of Giants’ 2026 Season
NFL analyst Jason McIntyre urged caution on The Herd, pointing to a major split in how Dart performed as a rookie. Dart took over the Giants’ starting job during his first season and finished with 2,272 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, while adding 487 rushing yards and 9 scores.
McIntyre’s concern centers on what happens when Dart stays inside the structure of the offense. “I think we need to slow down on this Jackson Dart John Harbaugh stuff,” McIntyre said. “The numbers tell a different story. In structure, Jackson Dart was horrible. He graded out 28th in EPA. That is not good at all.”
The analyst acknowledged that Dart was far more effective when plays broke down. “Now, Jackson Dart out of the pocket, he was number one in EPA,” McIntyre said.
That ability helped make Dart dangerous as a runner, but McIntyre believes it also created a significant concern because of how often the quarterback was checked for potential concussions.
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Dart underwent 5 trips to the blue tent last season, according to McIntyre, who questioned whether the Giants can continue relying on that style. McIntyre bluntly dismissed that style of play, saying, “It doesn’t work.”
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The skepticism comes as expectations around Dart continue to rise. A healthy Malik Nabers, healed running back Cam Skattebo, a reinforced offensive line, and the return of Odell Beckham Jr. give the quarterback a stronger supporting cast. Dart has also said he feels in command of Nagy’s offense.
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“I feel so much better. I feel in command,” Dart said. “I feel confident. In this offense, there’s a lot that’s put on the quarterback’s plate, but it’s exactly how I want it.”
Still, McIntyre remains unconvinced about what comes next. “And is that gonna work? don’t know, I don’t have a lot of faith in him,” he said.
Dart, who ranked 23rd in PFN NFL QB Impact for 2025, will get his first regular-season test September 13 against the Dallas Cowboys, giving the Giants an early opportunity to see whether his development matches the growing expectations.
