The New York Giants have experienced their fair share of struggles in recent years, but rookies Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo are injecting a much-needed dose of enthusiasm into the locker room. Though they may not yet be the Giants' top players, their fearless approach has revitalized a team that has been drained by years of disappointing seasons. This shift was palpable following the Giants' stunning victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, where they triumphed 34-17 in a prime-time matchup.
“You feel like you can win every single game possible,” right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor remarked after the game. “Skatt is a f—ing wild card. With him and Dart in the huddle, they are both psychopaths.” Their youthful exuberance and unyielding drive stand in stark contrast to the long history of struggles faced by the Giants, particularly against the Eagles, who had dominated their rivalry, winning 19 of the last 23 meetings.
For Dart and Skattebo, the past is irrelevant. As Dart pointed out, “I just think there’s, at times, some negativity that’s surrounding here. For us, some of the new guys, we just got here, so we don’t feel like we were involved in the past. We’ve got a lot of winners on this team.” This fresh perspective is crucial for a franchise that has been in a rut.
Veteran players like Brian Burns, who is tied for the NFL lead in sacks, and Dexter Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowler, bring experience but also carry the weight of a disheartening past. Their records with the Giants reflect a history of struggles, with Lawrence at 32-65-1 and Burns at 28-75. Yet, with the introduction of Dart and Skattebo, there is a renewed sense of hope. “They are very competitive individuals who have a lot of pride, toughness, and belief in themselves,” head coach Brian Daboll said. “That’s important for any team when you have players like that.”
Both Dart and Skattebo boast impressive collegiate records, with Dart achieving a 29-10 record at Ole Miss and Skattebo finishing at 26-13 at Sacramento State and Arizona State. In stark contrast, the Giants have struggled to a 2-4 start this season, which underscores the challenge of transitioning from college football to the NFL. However, Dart and Skattebo have yet to face the disillusionment that can accompany professional football.
Statistically, Dart's performance was impressive, passing for 195 yards, rushing for 58 yards, and accounting for two touchdowns, while Skattebo tallied 98 rushing yards and three touchdowns. However, their impact goes beyond the numbers; they have reinvigorated the team spirit among the veterans. “They do a great job firing up the guys,” left guard Jon Runyan Jr. said. “When Jaxson is holding the ball back there or Cam has the ball, anything can happen.”
The Giants' decision to draft Dart after a first-round trade-up and Skattebo in the fourth round reflects a strategic focus on their competitive edge and attitude. “They play with an edge,” Daboll commented, “and they play with a style that we want our team to embody.” As the season progresses, Dart and Skattebo's unique energy may prove to be a pivotal factor in reshaping the Giants' future.
Despite being aware that only 16 of the 260 NFL teams that started 1-4 since 1970 have made it to the playoffs, Dart and Skattebo view the season as a long opportunity rather than a daunting challenge. “We need their energy,” Flott said. “It’s refreshing to us, for sure. That they haven’t felt that vibe we’ve been having, it shows.” With this fresh wave of enthusiasm, the Giants are poised to change their narrative this season.
