Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart may be the talk of the league after showing off his athleticism and bravado in last Thursday’s win against the Eagles. But those attributes aren’t striking any fear into Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper ahead of Sunday’s game at Empower Field in Denver.
During a Wednesday afternoon news conference with Broncos players, Cooper was asked about what he has seen from Dart on film and whether there are any challenges in keeping Dart in the pocket. Cooper began his response by talking about Dart’s antics on the field and the celebrations he has shown since taking over the starting job.
“He’s a young guy and he’s feeling himself a little bit,” Cooper said. “He’s out there running around, he’s got the chain on, and he’s dancing. I feel like everybody needs something. We have gone against quarterbacks who have ran around in the pocket and have tried to do stuff with their legs, so this isn’t something we have not seen.”
Cooper added it would not be a double-edged sword facing Dart because there is not a ton of film on him, being that he has started in only three games in his career.
“You have to make him feel uncomfortable in the pocket,” Cooper said. “You can’t let him get that confidence and that ego going, so we have to take care of that.”
Dart is 2-1 since replacing Russell Wilson as the starter in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers, completing 65.9% of his passes (56 of 85) for 508 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. He also has rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns.
The Broncos will be the toughest test that Dart has faced this season, with the Broncos currently the second-ranked defense in the league, allowing 254.2 yards of total offense per game. They also lead the league in sacks with 30, 10 more than the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks, who are tied for second with 20.
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