Brian Daboll Praises Jaxson Dart, Compares Him to Legend Eli Manning After Giants’ Victory

Brian Daboll Praises Jaxson Dart, Compares Him to Legend Eli Manning After Giants’ Victory

MetLife, 10/9/2025 – Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart stole the spotlight in the New York Giants’ resounding 34-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6 of the NFL, snapping an 8-game losing streak against NFC East rivals. Head coach Brian Daboll was full of praise for Dart, comparing him to legendary QB Eli Manning for his leadership and composure under pressure — bringing renewed hope to Giants fans at MetLife Stadium.

Jaxson Dart: The New Spark for the Giants

Jaxson Dart continued to prove he’s the future of the Giants with an impressive performance against the Eagles. He completed 17 of 25 passes for 195 yards, throwing one touchdown (a 35-yard pass to Wan’Dale Robinson) with no interceptions, earning a quarterback rating of 104.6. He also rushed for 60 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown run in the first half that gave the Giants a 20-17 lead going into halftime.

With that, Dart became just the third quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for at least 50 yards in each of his first three starts — joining elite company with Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts.

Despite a scary moment in the third quarter when he was sacked by Patrick Johnson and had to undergo concussion evaluation, Dart returned to the field quickly, showcasing admirable toughness. In the absence of star receiver Malik Nabers (out for the season with an ACL injury) and with the team sitting at just 2-4, Dart built strong chemistry with Cam Skattebo (98 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns) and benefited from a dominant defensive showing led by Brian Burns (2 sacks) — helping the Giants overcome the Eagles’ powerful defense.

High Praise and Comparison to Eli Manning

In the post-game press conference, head coach Brian Daboll couldn't hide his excitement when speaking about Dart, emphasizing his leadership and rapid development. He drew comparisons between Dart and Eli Manning — the legendary QB who led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles (2008, 2012) — noting their shared courage and playmaking instincts in clutch moments.

Brian Daboll said:

“Jaxson Dart is a true warrior — just like Eli Manning was in those defining moments. He has the courage and instincts of a top-tier quarterback — from that 20-yard touchdown run to the pinpoint throw to Wan’Dale Robinson. Dart doesn’t just play with skill; he plays with heart, and that reminds me of Eli. He’s young, but he’s learning fast and giving the Giants something to believe in. I truly think he can take this team far.”

Daboll highlighted Dart’s ability to handle pressure, especially against a strong Eagles defense and after a possible injury scare. However, he also pointed out that Dart needs to improve his decision-making speed to avoid mistakes — such as the three turnovers in the loss to the Saints — a weakness Eli Manning himself overcame en route to becoming a legend.

Team Spirit and Outlook Ahead

The win over the Eagles marked a significant milestone, affirming the potential of both Dart and the Giants under Daboll’s leadership.

“We’re proud, but there’s still work to be done,” Dart said after the game. “Beating the Eagles is a step forward, but we’ve got to keep building on it.”

With inspiration from Giants legends like Eli Manning and support from teammates like Cam Skattebo and Brian Burns, Dart is emerging as the guiding flame for the team.

Despite a challenging schedule ahead — including a Week 7 matchup against the Denver Broncos — and continued issues at the wide receiver position, this win has reignited hope for a promising season. Under Daboll’s guidance and Dart’s growing talent, the Giants are steadily regaining their footing, and fans at MetLife Stadium have every reason to look forward to what lies ahead.