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History Made: Former Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart Becomes First Rookie QB in 75 Years to Lead Giants Past Eagles

Posted by | Oct 10, 2025 |

History Made: Former Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart Becomes First Rookie QB in 75 Years to Lead Giants Past Eagles

The New York Football Giants defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles Thursday night, 34-17, in a win where former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart looked every bit the part of a seasoned veteran, not a rookie in just his third start.

Although the Giants move now to just 2-4, there’s a new energy and a new mentality around the team that reflects the toughness of Dart and his fellow rookie teammate, running back Cam Skattebo.

Here’s a postgame on-field interview with Dart and Skattebo.

Dart and Skattebo accounted for six touchdowns versus the Eagles, using their legs and their charismatic energy to defeat Philadelphia and, frankly, give some hope to the embattled fan base.

The wins over Philly have been few and far between for more than a decade. The Eagles had beaten the Giants in seven of the last eight meetings, 16 of the past 20, going back an entire decade.

But that would never enter the ultra-competitive Dart’s mind.

“We feel like anytime we go out there on the field, anybody we’re playing against, we have a chance to win,” Dart said.

“Doesn’t matter what Vegas says. It doesn’t matter what the spread is. I was watching Pat McAfee, they are talking about the point spread of who is going to win the game. We don’t care about that stuff. We feel like we’re confident to go out there, put on a good performance, and win games.”

Jaxson Dart

Dart has taken the team by storm, beating out quarterbacks Russell Wilson, the starter at the beginning of the season, and Jameis Winston.

Dart finished Thursday’s game 17-for-25 for 195 yards passing, one touchdown and zero interceptions. He also rushed for 58 yards on 13 carries and one touchdown.

Skattebo recorded 98 yards on 19 carries with three touchdowns, showing the toughness he was known for in college.

Dart, as Ole Miss fans recall, can make things happen with his legs. He still doesn’t slide when he probably should, but his give-it-all-he’s got mentality usually won’t let him.

Shaking it off

Just four days ago against the New Orleans Saints, Dart turned the ball over three times and Skattebo lost a fumble that was returned for an 86-yard touchdown run.

As one New York beat writer said, “Thank goodness for youth and short memories.”

But these two rookies bounced back Thursday night and gave the Giants’ franchise its biggest win in more than two years.

A brief scare 

After leading 20-17 at halftime, the Giants pushed that to 27-17 halfway through the third quarter on a 1-yard Skattebo run, the second of his three TDs.

On their next offensive series, Giants fans watched as Dart was sacked and remained on the turf, scaring the fans in MetLife Stadium.

After he was checked on the field, Dart jogged off to the sidelines; however, he was taken into the tent for the mandatory evaluation for concussion. Russell Wilson entered the game to raucous boos and was unable to keep the possession going and the Giants were forced to punt.

Dart emerged from the tent after a few minutes, cleared to play on.

Head coach Brian Daboll was not happy, apparently, with how long took for Dart to be cleared.

Coach Daboll was seen screaming at the team physician to hurry and complete Dart’s concussion test.

He told media after the game that he apologized for the outburst.

“I apologized directly to our team physician. I wanted his (Dart’s) ass out there and asked how long it’s gonna take,” said Daboll in the postgame conference, as quoted by Giants reporter Pat Leonard. “If he’s gonna be alright, I’ll call a timeout and go for the son of a b****,” he added.

Daboll credited his two rookies for their play.

“You go through some tough times. Sometimes you can get stronger from it, or sometimes you can fold. I like our guys. I have a lot of confidence in these young players. These rookies, they have the right mindset. They’re tough.”

Brian Daboll on Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo

The Giants put the game away on a Cor’Dale Flott interception of Jalen Hurts and a 68-yard return with 11:25 remaining in the game.

Here are some more Jaxson moments from the thrilling win.
Evelyn Van Pelt

Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception. Email Evie at: Evie@TheRebelWalk.com

About The Author

Evelyn Van Pelt

Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception. Email Evie at: Evie@TheRebelWalk.com

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