New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart struggled terribly on Sunday, and the Giants were defeated 16-13 by the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. Dart has played poorly since returning from a concussion.
Dart completed 7-of-13 passing attempts for 33 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. He only added seven rushing yards to his offensive totals. Dart was sacked on five occasions, limiting the Giants' total net passing yards to 13.
Dart averaged a career-low 2.5 yards per attempt. His quarterback rating (27.4) and adjusted QBR (4.7 !!!) were also career-worst marks. Every statistic out there indicates Dart was terrible on Sunday.
Jaxson Dart’s development was the only thing that really mattered down the stretch of this lost season. Yesterday’s ultra-conservative game plan and dysfunctional passing game was the lowest point of a rough stretch since Daboll got fired and Dart returned from a concussion:… pic.twitter.com/JTkSCWTXMr
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) December 22, 2025
Dart attempted zero big-time throws, according to Pro Football Focus. He did have two turnover-worthy plays, one of which was his interception. Dart's average depth of target (aDOT) was a career-low 5.5 yards.
Dart's average time-to-throw was 3.28 seconds. The former Ole Miss standout has consistently been above three seconds this season, but 3.28 was the third-longest time of his rookie campaign. It certainly contributed to Minnesota's five sacks. Holding onto the football for extended periods is a bad idea against a Brian Flores-coached defense.
The Giants have been outscored 78-49 in Dart's three appearances post-concussion, losing all three in the midst of a nine-game losing streak. Mike Kafka's offense has failed to surpass 21 points in any of those games. Dart has completed under 60% of his passing attempts in consecutive outings. He's been inaccurate and totally ineffective.
Mike Kafka says he doesn’t think Jaxson Dart has regressed since the start of the year. pic.twitter.com/Tz6SUvCOWg
— The Giants Report (@GiantsReport1) December 22, 2025
Dart and the Giants have undeniably regressed offensively since firing Brian Daboll. Kafka is utilizing his quarterback differently, preferring to lean on his rushing attack against the Vikings in a close three-point defeat. Perhaps the Giants are attempting to protect Dart from another medical-tent visit, but the rookie 25th overall selection has lost his early-season spark in the process.
The Giants are being led by an interim head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator. They are without star wide receiver Malik Nabers and lead back Cam Skattebo. The elements have negatively impacted Dart's effectiveness.
The 2-13 Giants currently maintain control of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. If they clinch the top selection, the Giants would almost certainly possess interest in trading to the highest bidding QB-needy team. Joe Schoen (or a new general manager?) would build a stronger supporting cast around Dart while accelerating the rebuild.
Sunday's lackluster showing led to national mainstream discussions about whether the Giants should consider drafting Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore at No. 1 overall. Moving on from Dart this quickly would be a mistake. The Giants should focus on developing Dart.
Dart's early-season magic has totally disappeared. A multi-week stint on the sidelines due to a concussion, paired with lackluster coaching and personnel surroundings, has taken its toll on the rookie quarterback. Dart has gone backwards in recent weeks.
