When the NFL schedule was released on Wednesday, May 14, New York Giants fans believed they were in for another bitter season. According to ESPN, the Giants were ranked first in strength of schedule, having to face eight playoff teams from the previous year.
Following an 0-3 start to the campaign with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson leading the front line, head coach Brian Daboll named No. 25 draft pick Jaxson Dart the starter for the remainder of the season, looking for a spark to a struggling offense.
“I want to create excitement on the field. I want to be explosive when opportunities are there…try to just bring a little bit of swagger,” Dart told reporters after finding out he was the starter.
The Ole Miss alumnus lived up to the standard he set, delivering an impressive debut performance against the Los Angeles Chargers. His swagger was on full display early on, celebrating in the end zone after scoring his first career touchdown on the opening drive of the game. Fellow rookie, Cam Skattebo led the backfield for the first time in his career, averaging 3.2 yards per carry against a strong Chargers run defense.
With running back Tyrone Tracy out of the lineup for two weeks with a dislocated shoulder, Skattebo cemented his role in the Giants offensive scheme, both on the ground and in the air. The hard-nosed Arizona State running back was selected 105th overall in the draft, which was an absolute steal at that position.
Dart and Skattebo are the beginning of a new era in East Rutherford. The current record of 2-5 does not reflect the staggering difference in their play compared to last season. It is almost impossible to replicate the disaster of last season—finishing 3-14 with only 30 touchdowns (1.76 per game) as a team—but it was never out of the picture coming into a year with new players and the hard schedule.
The Giants are on pace to reach 46 touchdowns this year, which would be their most since 2015. Dart has 10 total (seven passing, three rushing), while Skattebo has five rushing (fifth most in entire league) and one receiving. The dynamic duo has brought exuberance back into the fanbase, making games far more competitive and entertaining to watch in the last decade.
One of those games was the historic upset over the reigning Super Bowl champions and division rival Philadelphia Eagles. The remarkable 34-17 win was the first time the Giants beat a defending champion since 1998 and a Giants rookie starting quarterback beat the birds since Travis Tidwell in 1950. Big Blue also snapped a 10-game losing streak against the Eagles in primetime matchups and handed them their second loss in 11 seasons on Thursday games.
Dart ran for 58 yards, becoming the third quarterback in the Super Bowl era with 50+ rushing yards in the first three starts. Skattebo eclipsed his career high with 98 rushing yards and had three touchdowns. He is the first running back to have three touchdowns on the ground against the Eagles since David Johnson in 2015.
Giants fans can finally feel a sense of relief as the franchise tandem is growing before their eyes. Whether or not they make the playoffs or even finish with a winning record, the future is bright for the New York Giants.
