The best NFL quarterbacks — like Patrick Mahomes — eventually get to a point where they can elevate their team amid adversity.
Giants first-round rookie Jaxson Dart, who is 1-1 as a starter, likely isn’t to that point yet. But he will have a chance to show Thursday night that he at least has the potential to carry the Giants through chaos.
If Dart and the 1-4 Giants beat the 4-1 Eagles at MetLife Stadium, it would be a massive upset, given the state of Dart’s offensive personnel. (Officially, the Giants are 7.5-point underdogs.)
Dart has already endured one rocky outing — last week’s pathetic loss in New Orleans — without No. 1 wide receiver Malik Nabers, who is out for the year with a torn ACL.
On Thursday, he won’t have his primary fallback option to Nabers — Darius Slayton, who is nursing a sore hamstring. So Dart must roll with an underwhelming receiver group (Wan’Dale Robinson in the slot, plus Jalin Hyatt and undrafted rookie Beaux Collins).
Yes, Dart will get running back Tyrone Tracy (shoulder) back for this game, to join Cam Skattebo. So expect the Giants to lean heavily on their rushing attack — which typically includes Dart utilizing his mobility. Remember, though, Dart is dealing with a nagging hamstring issue.
Up front, Dart might not have right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (back), who is listed as questionable.
Bottom line: Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio should be licking his chops heading into this one.
Dart surely knows that. As a relentless competitor, it’ll be fascinating to see how he handles the adversity (and pessimistic outside expectations) Thursday night, while facing a defense that ranks fifth in Pro Football Focus’ ratings, including sixth against the run and fifth in pass rush.
The Giants — 4-18 since last season opened, including 2-15 in their most recent 17 games — desperately need Dart to be the long-sought franchise quarterback who proves capable of elevating them.
Maybe he eventually will develop into that guy. But stepping into that lofty role Thursday night is an extremely tall order.
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