New York Giants - photo courtesy Imagn Images
It seems that, even if it’s temporary, the Giants’ win over the Chargers on Sunday has brought new energy to a young and developing roster.
While the Big Blue are unlikely to make the playoffs, they will not be the first team to go winless since the NFL switched to a 17-game schedule in 2021.
With the Giants winning their last game, here are 2 New York Giants’ rookies already making an impact.
Dart Performs Just like his Last Name
When the first round pick from Ole Miss took the field, Giants’ Nation could feel his confidence. It’s a quiet confidence that turns him into a gladiator when stepping onto the field.
Head Coach Brian Daboll had coached a similar young superstar, Josh Allen, back in Buffalo. Allen was known for his moxie and his cannon arm.
He would bring a new style of a dual-threat quarterback that transformed the position into what it is today. Much like Allen, Jaxson Dart can throw the football with the best of the other young quarterbacks in the league today.
Additionally, he is not afraid to play recklessly and put his body on the line to absorb contact. Dart looks up to a quarterback like Allen in that the two were seen shaking hands in the preseason game line and small-talking each other.
While he looked impressive in camp, the coaching staff opted to go with the veteran route first, starting with Russell Wilson. Nevertheless, the young Dart did what the best young QBs do and kept preparing as if he was going to take over the keys.
After a (0-3) start, the Giants’ run to the postseason was halted in just three contests. With GM Joe Shoen and head coach Brian Daboll attempting to save their jobs, they benched the vet, and in came the young prospect.
In his first start against the Chargers, Dart led a nine-play, 89-yard drive and ran for a 15-yard touchdown. The talented signal caller was the first quarterback since Kansas City Chiefs icon Patrick Mahomes, on the initial possession of his first professional start, to mastermind his team to an 80-plus-yard-touchdown score.
Look for this young quarterback to give the G-Men the boost they need to get the team back on their feet.
The Skat-man is here (Cam Skattebo)
When Saquon Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, the Giants went through a struggling season led by a running back by committee. This year, it looks like they have found their Barkley replacement in rookie Cam Skattebo.
When you run more heavy personnel under center formations, having a power back who can run between the tackles certainly helps. Skattebo is a downhill north-south runner who runs with bad intentions and is physical with content similar to Marshawn Lynch.
Skattebo took over the primary running back duties for an injured Tyrone Tracy and had a career day. He touched the ball 25 times, rushing for 79 yards.
To keep things in perspective, Skattebo touched the ball three more times than James Cook, who is still 26 years old and is one of the best young running backs in the league. Therefore, if Skattebo can take the pressure off of Dart from having to air it down the field, then this could be a very physical offense for the G-Men.
The (1-3) Giants will face the (0-4) New Orleans Saints next, who came off a valiant effort in a 31-19 loss on the road to the Buffalo Bills.
Additionally, the defense should also be able to help Dart and the offense earn more chances to stay on the field. If the Giants can get back to playing complementary football, then they may win more games, saving the jobs of the head coach and the GM.
All in all, these two New York Giants’ rookies have brought a swagger to a young roster with a ton of potential to win in this league. Look for both of them to step it up and bring their all.
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