It’s the start of a new era for the New York Giants. After losing their first three games of the season, head coach Brian Daboll decided not to waste any additional time and give the keys to the franchise to their first-round rookie, Jaxson Dart. Immediately playing with swagger and intensity, his inclusion into the starting lineup motivated the entire team, as they snatched a remarkable underdog victory over the previously undefeated Los Angeles Chargers.
Dart had a solid outing in his first NFL start, showcasing a few nifty passes and a relentless rushing ability. However, going into his second game, he’s at a serious disadvantage, thanks to the injury to his number one wide receiver, Malik Nabers. Even with that blow, the Ole Miss product has a clear focus heading into the game against the New Orleans Saints with one specific motivation driving him forward.
Jaxson Dart Wants Revenge Against the New Orleans Saints
After Derek Carr shockingly retired near the beginning of free agency, New Orleans had to quickly rebound and find a new quarterback to be their starter. The 2025 NFL Draft offered them an opportunity, with Dart right there for the taking at the ninth pick.
However, they chose to pass on him, instead drafting Tyler Shough in the second round, and naming their 2024 fifth-round pick, Spencer Rattler, to be their starter to begin the season. It hasn’t worked out remarkably well for the Saints, who sit at 0-4 heading into Week 5.
That doesn’t mean there is anything close to mercy on Dart’s mind when the two sides square off. Speaking to ESPN, he made it clear that this game was one he had particularly kept his eye on coming into the season.
“There is always a chip on your shoulder any time something like that happens. But yeah, I’m just going to go out there and play as hard as I can.” Moreover, it wasn’t just a blind guess that he could end up in New Orleans.
“Yeah, I felt like my visit with them went good. You kind of have thoughts in your head about what options are realistic, and I felt that was a place that could’ve panned out. But things didn’t work out that way.”
In his first start, Dart had 111 yards through the air and a touchdown while completing 13 of his 20 passing attempts. He also added 54 yards and a rushing touchdown on 10 carries in an excellent first start.
Going into the game against the Saints, the challenge is going to be for the offense to function without Nabers. That directly translates to the team relying more heavily on its quarterback, giving Dart a chance to make use of that chip on his shoulder.
