What Jaxson Dart did to draw applause from Giants defense, John Harbaugh
· Yahoo Sports
The New York Giants have been trying to get quarterback Jaxson Dart to play things safer this year. There's been a lot of talk about Dart's reluctance to get out of harm's way when taking off running from the pocket.
Last year, Dart failed to slide and get out of bounds on several occasions and found himself in and out of the blue medical tent all year. He even missed two games with a concussion as a result of his bravado.
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The new coaching staff, led by head coach John Harbaugh, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, and quarterbacks coach Brian Callahan, has been expressing concern about Dart and his style of play. They have been stressing to him to take better care of his body.
On Monday at practice, Dart heeded their advice to take fewer risks with his personal safety. On a third-and-5 play, Dart took off, got the first down, and slid before defenders to get to him, drawing cheers from many in attendance, including the defense.
"I did. I clapped," Harbaugh said when asked if he was one of the ones who cheered the play. "I applauded when he did that. It was great. Critical situation drill. We were trying to get a third or fourth down, but mostly third down, like anywhere from three to five in a drive in a game where the offense can win the game in the fourth quarter with a conversion.
"So, play calls and execution to get that first down, that was what that was. So, we had a great play. He came open. He ran around the corner, got the first down, slid inbounds, kept the clock running. All those things were well done."
Dart has been showing much more maturity in his second season with the Giants. His coach and teammates are taking notice.
"It's a hard question because there's so many ways -- so many things -- that I think he's made great strides with. But I do think the comfort level operating all the different elements and options that he has at his disposal has been big," Harbaugh said. "I mean, we've made a lot of progress with that. You know, the motions, the shifts, the getting us in and out of certain plays, I see that."
All-Pro linebacker Brian Burns was also among those who applauded Dart on Monday.
"Not really a surprise to see that he has that much attention to detail, and he's very intentional about his work," Burns said of Dart's progress. "But just to see that from such a young player at such a young age, it's promising. And I'm glad that he's continuing to strive (to do) that.
"Him really focusing on staying in the pocket, going through his progressions, making the right decision, making smart reads. We obviously know he can create. We know he can hurt a lot of defenses with his feet and just playmaking ability. But him being able to steer the defense the wrong way just going through his progressions, is very impressive."
There was nothing sarcastic about the applause. The Giants know that in order to win this coming season, they will need Dart to remain healthy and on the field. Monday's slide was a visible representation that the coaching has sunk in.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: What Jaxson Dart did to draw applause from Giants defense, John Harbaugh