Brian Daboll Says Jaxson Dart Was 'Effective' and 'Aggressive' In Giants Debut

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll praised rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart after his preseason debut on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills.

"It's about what I thought he would do," Daboll told reporters, per ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "Efficient, effective, aggressive, confident in the pocket.

"Still stuff we can work on, but he's doing good."

Dart went 12-for-19 for 154 passing yards and a touchdown, while adding 24 yards on three carries on Saturday to help the Giants record a 34-25 win.

The Giants' first possession with the rookie quarterback ended in a punt, but Dart produced a 28-yard touchdown pass to Lil'Jordan Humphrey on his next drive.

The Giants' final two possessions with Dart under center ended with field goals made from 50 and 51 yards out, respectively.

The rookie quarterback's preseason debut was highlighted by his movement in the pocket, as well as his ability to step up when he was under pressure from the Bills' defense:

Dart was listed as the third quarterback, behind Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston but ahead of Tommy DeVito, on the first unofficial depth chart released by the Giants ahead of Saturday's preseason action.

Wilson was named the Giants' starter ahead of training camp, but the veteran quarterback is only signed with the franchise on a one-year deal. The Giants could be hoping to develop Dart as a potential option under center for the 2026 season.

Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka told reporters earlier this week that Dart was "right on schedule" in his development so far, per Giants.com's Matt Citak.

When asked about his expectations for Dart during the opening game of the preseason, Kafka answered, "Like any position, just operating within the confines of the offense and going out there and playing confidently, being decisive, command the huddle."

Dart could be hoping his first preseason showing has met Kafka and Daboll's expectations as he works to cement himself as the team's quarterback of the future.