Jaxson Dart's 'Next Level' Discussed by Giants OC amid Injury Concern After Big Hit in Preseason

The New York Giants and the team's new coaching staff under head coach John Harbaugh have asked young quarterback Jaxson Dart to make some major adjustments this summer, from learning a new scheme to protecting himself more when he takes off and scrambles.

"My biggest thing with him was being able to get through these practices and, it sounds simple, but be able to get in the huddle, call the play, get up to the line of scrimmage, see the defense and play fast," new offensive coordinator Matt Nagy told reporters on Monday. "He's calling every play. He's seeing it when he says it. He's not just listening and memorizing it. He's there. He's aced that part. Now we've got to get it to the part of seeing the defense and taking it to the next level, because the kid is super talented."

Part of that has been getting Dart to slide more when he breaks the pocket rather than absorbing the huge hits that led to five concussion checks last season. Another is growing more comfortable under center, with the Giants expected to transition to a more ground-based scheme in 2026.

"There's a rhythm to it and a discipline to it where you know each concept requires you know a certain footwork and timing and rhythm, and I think he's really bought into all that, and I think he's really started to execute those things at a pretty good clip at this point," passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bill Callahan noted. "The footwork discipline and just like the smoothness of it, I think has really improved."

Dart, 23, had a very strong rookie season, throwing for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions while also rushing for 487 yards and nine scores. The Giants will ask him to make some big adjustments in year two, but it sounds as though he's mostly been up to the task thus far.