Jaxson Dart’s electrifying performance in NFL preseason Week 2 has ignited debates: Is the New York Giants rookie poised to become the next breakout QB star? After lighting up joint practices with the Jets, Dart carried that momentum into Saturday’s game, showcasing poise and playmaking ability that belies his rookie status.

The Giants’ offensive line concerns—highlighted by analysts like Dan Orlovsky—haven’t slowed Dart’s rapid ascent. His chemistry with receivers and command of the offense have turned preseason snaps into must-watch moments, while DFS players scramble to capitalize on his rising value.

As Week 2 takeaways dominate headlines, one question overshadows all others: Could Dart’s “red-hot summer” translate into regular-season fireworks?

NFL Today: Is Jaxson Dart the Next Rookie QB Star After Stunning Preseason Week 2 Performance?

Why Jaxson Dart’s Preseason Week 2 Performance Has Giants Fans Hyped

The New York Giants’ rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart delivered another electrifying performance in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL preseason, building on his strong Week 1 showing. Completing 12 of 16 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns, Dart showcased the arm talent and poise that made him a second-round pick. His chemistry with fellow rookie receiver Malik Nabers was particularly impressive, connecting for a 57-yard touchdown that had MetLife Stadium roaring.

What sets Dart apart is his ability to extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield. Against the Patriots’ second-string defense, he avoided three would-be sacks to find tight end Daniel Bellinger for a 21-yard score. This dual-threat capability mirrors the skillset that made Patrick Mahomes a superstar, and Giants coaches are clearly encouraged by his rapid development.

Don’t crown him yet, but Dart’s processing speed for a rookie is special. He’s reading coverages pre-snap that typically take years to recognize.

Do you think he can challenge Russell Wilson for the starting job this season? That TD throw under pressure was Wilson-esque!

How Does Jaxson Dart Compare to Other Rookie QBs in NFL History?

Through two preseason games, Dart’s statistics (73% completion, 312 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs) put him in rare company among rookie quarterbacks. His passer rating of 128.7 would rank top-5 all-time for rookies if maintained through the regular season. While preseason performances must be contextualized, the Giants haven’t seen this level of immediate QB production since Eli Manning’s debut season.

The Mississippi product compares favorably to:

• Justin Herbert (2020 preseason: 69% completion, 2 TDs)
• Dak Prescott (2016 preseason: 103.9 rating)
• Russell Wilson (2012: won Seahawks starting job in camp)

History suggests patience—even phenoms like Mahomes sat a year. But Dart’s athleticism gives him a higher floor than most rookies.

I’d take Dart over Bryce Young right now! That garbage time stats debate is getting spicy on sports radio.

Giants QB Controversy Brewing? Russell Wilson vs Jaxson Dart

Head coach Brian Daboll maintains that veteran Russell Wilson remains the Week 1 starter, but the organization’s long-term investment in Dart (signed through 2028) creates fascinating roster dynamics. Wilson, coming off three straight Pro Bowls with Denver, looked sharp in limited preseason action but lacks Dart’s mobility at age 36.

The Giants face several timeline questions:

1. Will Wilson mentor Dart or see him as a threat?
2. Should Dart start if Wilson struggles early?
3. Could Wilson become trade bait if Dart continues excelling?

Wilson’s contract makes him unmoveable this year—they’re stuck in a Stafford-Goff situation unless Dart forces their hand.

Do teams really bench $40M QBs for rookies? The locker room would go nuclear!

Breaking Down Jaxson Dart’s Mechanics: What Makes Him Special

Quarterback coaches highlight three technical improvements in Dart’s game since joining the Giants:

His compact throwing motion—once criticized as “arm-heavy”—now incorporates better lower-body torque. This explains his unexpected deep-ball success (three completions over 40 yards). The Giants’ simplified play-calling also plays to his strengths, featuring:

• Bootleg throws moving right (his strong side)
• Quick slants to possession receivers
• Designed QB runs off read-option

Fantasy Football Alert: Should You Draft Jaxson Dart?

Dart’s preseason emergence makes him a fascinating late-round QB target in fantasy drafts. While he’s unlikely to start Week 1, our projections suggest:

• Top-15 QB upside if named starter by Week 6
• 60+ rushing yards per game potential
• Stack value with Giants receivers

In dynasty leagues? Absolutely. Redraft? Only if you stash him with Wilson as insurance.

Our fantasy groupchat is divided—some say he’s this year’s Brock Purdy, others say he’s Tim Tebow 2.0!

Giants’ Playoff Hopes: Can Jaxson Dart Accelerate Their Timeline?

New York’s revamped defense (featuring pass-rusher Abdul Carter) and Dart’s emergence could make them NFC East dark horses. The division appears weaker with Dallas retooling and Philadelphia aging. If Dart starts 8+ games, reasonable scenarios include:

1. 7-10 record with offensive growing pains
2. 9-8 wildcard contention behind elite defense
3. Division title if Eagles/Cowboys collapse

The Giants’ patience with Daniel Jones suggests they won’t rush Dart, but the organization hasn’t had this much QB promise since Eli’s prime. How they manage expectations will define their 2025 campaign.