New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart's progression in his second year will hinge significantly on mastering pocket footwork and efficiently reading defenses, according to ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky.
Orlovsky stated that improving his footwork as a dropback passer is a "mandate" for Dart to take the next step in his development. While the Giants incorporated elements of Ole Miss's offense to ease Dart's transition last season, the new offensive scheme under coordinator Matt Nagy requires more traditional NFL concepts. This includes more snaps under center, increased play-action fakes, and a need for Dart to execute precise footwork on three, five, and seven- or eight-step drops.
"They master the understanding of the importance of their three-step drop and what kind of three-step drop, the five-step drop and what kind of five-step drop, the seven- or eight-step drop and what kind," Orlovsky explained. "And how that ties into not only the route but the concept and the protection. That is where he has to take an astronomical step."
Dart himself acknowledged the mechanical adjustments, noting "a little bit of footwork landmarks in the pocket" as a primary focus during training camp. He expressed confidence in the work put in, stating it's "not something out there when I’m on the field that I have to think extra about when I’m having a rep at a certain play."
The emphasis on footwork is not intended to diminish Dart's off-script playmaking ability. Instead, it's about enhancing his control over the pocket passing game. Orlovsky elaborated on the intricate timing involved: "Did you do the five-step drop that got the ball out at the right time in regards to the protection that was assigned to the play and also the right time in how it timed up with the route that allowed the ball to be placed at the right place at the right time to allow the receiver to do extra?"
Head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the learning curve for a quarterback in a new offense but expressed patience while still holding Dart accountable, as seen after a practice interception. "You can’t even imagine how much there is for a quarterback to operate with, especially in a new offense," Harbaugh said. "There’s so much on his plate. He’s pushing the envelope. He’s also competing at the same time."
Last season, Dart ranked 19th among NFL quarterbacks in Estimated Points Added on pass plays. With the directive to progress through reads from the pocket this season, improved efficiency in reading disguised coverages is expected, rather than immediately scrambling if initial options are not open. As Orlovsky noted, second-year quarterbacks typically gain a better understanding of defensive schemes, allowing them to anticipate pressures and progress more quickly.
The Giants are using training camp to simulate game-like scenarios, encouraging Dart to work through plays even if initial reads aren't open, forcing the defense to continue covering. Harbaugh confirmed that Dart "is going through his progressions really well."
As Week 1 approaches, the team may simplify elements of the playbook that prove challenging. Dart indicated that the team is intentionally installing plays against complex defensive looks to ensure they are well-prepared. "While we’re installing plays, a lot of times it’s to exotic [defensive] looks," Dart said. "And so, it’s good for us to have that communication and it’s good for us to make those adjustments so by the time we get into the season, we feel like we’ve seen a lot already."