New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart addressed several areas of his game that had been under the microscope heading into the new season during the Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Dart led the Giants to a 28-20 win over the Cowboys and left his fingerprints all over the game. He completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed for 54 yards.
Beyond the numbers, Dart did exactly what was expected of him and then some. First, he established a strong connection with new tight end Isaiah Likely, who led the Giants with 78 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Oftentimes last season, Dart needed a reliable option in the intermediate area to extend drives and reduce heaves down the field.
Likely gave Dart a dependable target that allowed the Giants not only to advance their field position but also to reach the end zone.
Dart was also more decisive when scrambling out of the pocket. At times last season, he put himself in harm’s way with bold runs and showed a need to run with more control. He made good on that against Dallas, showing growth and command with his legs. His ability to read the pocket and step through the middle was on display, and he looked like a quarterback with experience to complement his electric play.
Though he took six QB hits, the passes he released after taking contact were not thrown into harm’s way for the most part, a strong indicator of his ability to find receivers even under pressure. Against a Cowboys defense that was able to penetrate inside on occasion, he more than held his own.
Dart’s play was A-minus worthy, and his numbers put him on pace for 3,910 passing yards and 918 rushing yards this season. The output offered a realistic look at what he is capable of producing, even without playing at his absolute best, which gives him a chance to finish the year with All-Pro caliber numbers based on his projected upside heading into the opener.
As for the Giants, their status as dark-horse playoff contenders looked legitimate at first glance. Proving it throughout the season will be the task at hand.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Jaxson Dart answered several lingering questions in Week 1 win
