Jaxson Dart has sparked fresh optimism in New York with his strong early-season play, quickly proving he has the potential to become the franchise’s long-term answer under center. But alongside that promise comes growing concern, as the rookie has absorbed several hard hits this year, including in Week 13.
While trying to stay inbounds on a scramble, Dart was met with a hard but legal shot from New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss. The collision immediately ignited a sideline brawl, though Dart ultimately walked away unharmed. However, many analysts and former players are now urging the quarterback to be more strategic and selective with his runs.
Jon Gruden Urges Jaxson Dart To Protect Himself After Violent Hit
Dart has dealt with multiple concussion scares this season, absorbing a total of 84 hits across both rushing and passing plays before Week 13. The most recent incident came in Week 10 against the Bears, when the Giants called five high-impact designed runs for the rookie, ultimately leading to another concussion that sidelined him for two games.
Returning to Monday Night Football, those concerns resurfaced. Dart attempted to stay in bounds on a scramble up the sideline when he absorbed another heavy, though legal, hit. He walked away without injury, but the moment renewed pleas from former Super Bowl champion Jon Gruden, who has been vocal about the quarterback protecting himself.
“Please get out of bounds,” Gruden wrote.
Please get out of bounds. pic.twitter.com/v7WOVL4WmR
— Jon Gruden (@BarstoolGruden) December 2, 2025
This wasn’t a new message. During Dart’s appearance on Gruden QB Camp, the former coach told him bluntly that he needed to stop inviting unnecessary contact.
“I want you to change your playstyle… It’s reckless, it’s careless, it’s dangerous… You’re going to be in that concussion protocol tent and I’m going to be holding the gameplan going, ‘Where the hell is Dart at?!'”
Dart, who’s ranked 14th in PFSN’s QB Impact metric, agreed during that session, even admitting it was “stupid” as the two watched film of him lowering his shoulder into a defender instead of stepping out of bounds.
Despite those lessons, Dart struck a defiant tone after the Giants’ 15–33 loss to New England. The rookie insisted that taking hits is simply part of the game.
“I’ve played this way my whole entire life. It shouldn’t be any shocker to anybody if you’ve followed along with my career,” he said. “We’re not playing soccer out here. You’re going to get hit, things happen. It’s just part of the game.”
While that may be true, Gruden isn’t alone in his concerns. Analysts such as Eli and Peyton Manning, along with former MVP and dual-threat standout Cam Newton, have echoed similar advice: Dart needs to run smarter, slide, step out of bounds, and avoid unnecessary collisions.