Giants Rally After Jaxson Dart Takes Brutal Hit in MNF Clash
So, let me walk you through what turned into one of the most dramatic early-game moments on Monday Night Football. The New York Giants, already fighting through a tough season, saw tensions explode after rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart was absolutely leveled along the sideline during the first quarter against the New England Patriots.
Dart was only on his second offensive drive when it happened. He rolled out to his right, trying to escape pressure and pick up a first down. Just as he neared the marker, Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss came storming in at full speed and delivered a massive, clean shot that sent Dart flying out of bounds and straight into the Giants’ bench area. The hit was legal — he was still inbounds — but it landed hard enough to shake the entire sideline.
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That’s when tempers instantly flared. Giants tight end Theo Johnson sprinted right up to Elliss and shoved him, setting off a quick but heated scuffle. Giants center John Michael Schmitz Jr. jumped in, Patriots players joined the fray, and suddenly officials were tossing penalty flags everywhere. Johnson ended up being hit with an unnecessary roughness call, while Elliss avoided any discipline since the hit itself was within the rules. The penalty pushed the Giants back 15 yards, completely stalling what had been a promising early drive.
What made the whole moment even more intense was the context around it. This game marked Dart’s return after missing the previous two weeks with a concussion he suffered against the Chicago Bears. His aggressive running style has been a major talking point all season, and even he admitted earlier in the week that he’s still adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NFL. In college, he almost never slid, but at this level, every yard can come with a cost. He said he’s been trying to be smarter about protecting himself, though plays like this show the learning curve is still pretty steep.
Coaches have reportedly been dialing back designed quarterback runs to keep him out of danger, but sometimes his instincts take over. Early in the game, you could see that determination — and honestly, that stubbornness — in the way he fought for extra yards. Unfortunately, that opened him up for hits exactly like the one Elliss delivered.
Though the Giants were already trailing and facing tough odds, the hit served as a kind of catalyst. Even if it cost them yardage, it showed the team wasn’t willing to let their young quarterback get tossed around without a response. It was a jolt of emotion, maybe even frustration, but it was also a reminder of how fiercely this team wants to protect its future.
The Giants may not be in the playoff race, but moments like this show they still have plenty of fight left — and Dart, despite the setbacks, is slowly learning what it takes to survive in this league.
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