Jaxson Dart had already missed time due to his playing style, and although he returned against the New England Patriots, he didn’t generate enough spark to secure a win and even ended up learning a hard lesson the tough way. A situation that served to make it crystal clear he won’t change his approach-using an analogy that could rub some sports superstars the wrong way.
What happened to Jaxson Dart?
During the first quarter of the game in which the Giants fell 33-15 to the Patriots, Dart scrambled out of the pocket trying to pick up a first down. As he neared the sideline, Christian Elliss delivered one of the hardest hits you’ll see all season.
The rookie quarterback for the New York Giants had already missed the previous two games due to a concussion, which only heightened the concern around this brutal blow. Dart shook it off and finished the game completing 17 of 24 passes for 139 yards and one touchdown, though his team suffered its seventh straight loss.
After the game, Jaxson Dart was asked about his playing style and the hit, and he made it clear he has no intention of changing-pointing out that this isn’t soccer.
“This is football. Whether I’m in the pocket or out of it, I’m going to get hit. We’re not playing soccer. It’s part of the game,” Dart said. “I’ve played this way my whole life. It shouldn’t surprise anyone who’s followed my career.”
A statement that might not sit well with soccer fans-especially with the World Cup kicking off in the United States in less than a year. It does make you wonder what Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo might think about it.
“Jaxson’s an aggressive football player. He’s on the sideline, trying to get himself out of bounds. He bounced up. He’s a tough kid,” said Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka. “Obviously, we don’t want him to take any hits that are unnecessary.”
It’s not common, but fans often spark this cross-sport debate, and for many people these comparisons are in poor taste. Jaxson Dart certainly proved he’s tough as nails, but that doesn’t mean soccer players aren’t-what would happen if this QB tried to play the beautiful game at the highest level, the sport that captivates millions of fans around the world?
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