As per the pre-game script, the Thursday night matchup between the New York Giants and the defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, wasn’t supposed to end the way it did. Behind rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, the Giants stunned the NFL world with a 34-17 victory, handing Philly its second loss of the season.
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From the opening whistle, Dart looked unfazed. The Ole Miss product orchestrated scoring drives on each of the Giants’ first two possessions, capping one all by himself with a determined rushing touchdown.
LeSean “Shady” McCoy was among the first to react on social media. The two-time Super Bowl champion praised Dart’s improvisational brilliance:
“Ok, Dart! The rookie making all type of ALL UNSCRIPTED PLAYS…,” wrote McCoy.
Ok Dart The rookie making all type of ALL UNSCRIPTED PLAYS …
— LeSean Shady Mccoy (@CutonDime25) October 10, 2025
Dart’s ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing not only impressed McCoy but also other big names of the game. Whether rolling to his right under pressure or keeping the ball on a zone read, the rookie showcased a calm, instinctive feel for the game.
Former Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden highlighted that while sharing a video of Dart’s touchdown. “LOOK AT JAXSON DART, MAN!!!!” He wrote.
LOOK AT JAXSON DART, MAN!!!! pic.twitter.com/Ty9uFW6k7t
— Jon Gruden (@BarstoolGruden) October 10, 2025
ESPN analyst Ryan Clark also joined the chorus of praise, tweeting: “I really like Jaxson Dart, bruh. He isn’t perfect, but he fights his butt off.”
That grit was evident throughout the game. Dart finished 17-of-25 for 195 yards and a touchdown, while adding 58 rushing yards and another score on the ground.
Dart’s backfield partner, rookie running back Cam Skattebo, punched in three more rushing touchdowns, making them the first rookie duo since Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris (2012) to combine for four rushing scores in one game.
For context, Dart’s early numbers are stacking up well against Philadelphia’s own star, Jalen Hurts. Through their first three starts of the season, Dart has accounted for six total touchdowns (three passing, three rushing). Hurts, meanwhile, has five TDs (four passing, one rushing), while also posting a slightly higher completion percentage.
