Jaxson Dart Reacts to Viral Hit from Patriots LB, Will Giants QB Change Playing Style?

Despite taking a huge hit while scrambling during Monday night's 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots, New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart doesn't plan on changing the way he plays.

During the first quarter of Monday's game, Dart ran toward the sidelines and attempted to pick up the first down. Just before he stepped out of bounds, he was leveled by Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss, setting off a fracas between the two teams:

Dart got right back to his feet and appeared to be fine, but given that he missed the Giants' prior two games with a concussion, he was unsurprisingly asked multiple questions after the game about altering his playing style to take fewer hits.

The first-year signal-caller made it abundantly clear that he intends on continuing the brand of football that he has always played, saying, "I understand the question, but this is football. I'm going to get hit if I'm in the pocket or outside the pocket. 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. We're not playing soccer out here. You're going to get hit, things happen. It's just part of the game."

Dart went on to add that he has utilized this style of play for his "whole life," and that he believes using his legs gives him an "advantage."

The former Ole Miss standout also expressed understanding for the fact that fans don't want him to get injured, but it didn't change his outlook, saying, "I appreciate people wanting me to be healthy and all that stuff. I want to be healthy, too. I play this game aggressive. I'm not going to just change how I play the game."

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Although the Giants are just 2-11, Dart has been among the team's bright spots this season, showing glimpses of being a potential franchise quarterback moving forward.

After an 0-3 start, Dart took over as the Giants' starter in the fourth game of the season, and he won two of his first three starts, upsetting the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles.

The No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Dart is completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 1,556 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions in 10 appearances and eight starts.

He has also done a ton of damage on the ground, rushing for 337 yards and seven scores.

Many of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL today are dual threats who pile up yardage and touchdowns with their legs, including Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dart needs to stay healthy in order to put himself in the same echelon as those quarterbacks, but it doesn't sound like he intends on taking a more cautious approach.