The Giants returned the favor against the Jets on Wednesday, when they hosted them for a joint practice in East Rutherford.
On Tuesday, the Giants traveled to Florham Park for the first of two joint practices, in advance of Saturday night’s preseason game at MetLife Stadium.
So how did Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart fare Wednesday, after a solid day Tuesday?
Let’s take a look, as Dart (surely) prepares to get at least some game action against the Jets on Saturday night.
Stats: 4-of-7 passing on 17 reps (all with the second team)
Best throw: Not a lot of candidates, obviously, as the Giants went with a run-heavy approach (and Dart also got sacked twice). Certainly Dart’s most productive throw was a 30-yard deep-ball touchdown to a wide-open Beaux Collins down the right sideline, as Dart spotted (and took advantage of) busted coverage by the Jets. But give Dart credit for spotting the opening and putting the throw where it needed to be, out in front of Collins, who waltzed into the end zone. After the play, Brian Daboll celebrated by slapping hands with Dart.
Worst throw: As was the case Tuesday, Dart overthrew the ball. He didn’t do it often Wednesday. Then again, he didn’t uncork a lot of passes, period. But Dart’s worst throw Wednesday — and it wasn’t even a terrible one — came early in practice, when he was well long for Dalen Cambre on a deep ball down the left sideline. Maybe Malik Nabers — or a receiver better than Cambre, an undrafted rookie — would’ve been able to track that ball down and haul it in.
Moment of the day: What to make of Dart’s two “sacks” Wednesday? Well, on the first, he never saw Jarrick Bernard-Converse on a corner blitz, as Bernard-Converse burst up the middle essentially untouched. Dart’s second sack also involved a defender (Braiden McGregor) getting through the line quickly and with ease. Dart really had no chance on either play. Perhaps he could have done something on the first sack to adjust protection before the snap. Hard to tell without more perspective.
Either way, those sacks not only underscore the complex pre-snap adjustments Dart will have to make as a rookie (presuming he plays, and he surely will). But they also highlight the reality that the Giants’ offensive line is very much a work in progress. Yes, Dart isn’t working with the starting line. But it’s not like the Giants’ starting line is elite. That much is obvious — and will continue to be obvious (until proven otherwise) even when Andrew Thomas returns. In particular, the Giants have major issues with their interior line. Something to keep an eye on.
Trending up or down?
Down just a bit. Dart was better Tuesday. Not a huge dip Wednesday, though. And ultimately, how Dart performs in preseason games matters most. It would be a surprise if he did not play Saturday night at MetLife Stadium against the Jets. Can he build on his strong preseason debut from last Saturday in Buffalo? If he does, that would only crank up the pressure on Russell Wilson — and shorten his leash heading into Week 1.
Grade: B
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Darryl Slater may be reached atdslater@njadvancemedia.com.
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