John Harbaugh is set to coach the New York Giants for the first time in his career after a long spell with the Baltimore Ravens (2008-2025). He had Lamar Jackson at quarterback in Baltimore, but in New York, he has the young QB Jaxson Dart.

Harbaugh noted some similarities between Lamar Jackson and Jaxson Dart, especially in how they operate with reckless abandon. Speaking on The Dominique Foxworth Show, Harbaugh mentions that Dart should change this trait for his own good.

"Same things were said about Lamar really every year, but especially after the first season," said Harbaugh on July 16. " It's unsustainable the way he plays. It's never going to last. You got to protect him. He can't run as much. ... It's like, no, I'm going to play ball. ...there are other guys out there that are capable of doing damage to you when you have the ball in your hands. Especially for the quarterback is important, and I trust that Jaxson understands that."

Per Harbaugh's comments on the July 16 episode of The Dominique Foxworth Show, the coach wanted Dart to exercise some caution in his game. He wanted Dart to play in a way that showed that he respected the opponent as well as his teammates.

The HC's advice came after Dart was evaluated for concussions five times last year. Unfortunately, one of the tests proved positive. He had to follow the league's concussion protocol, which led to missed games and concerns for his health.

His 2025 rookie campaign saw him throw for 2,272 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also had a 91.7 passer rating over his 12 starts. Furthermore, he rushed for 487 yards and averaged 5.7 yards per carry.

It is expected that Dart will carry the Giants forward next season. Even one former Giants running back thinks so.

Former Giants RB is convinced that Jaxson Dart will perform better in 2026

Despite the head injury concerns, Jaxson Dart had an impressive rookie season. However, the best is yet to come, felt former Giants running back Tiki Barber.

"I have no doubt that he's going to take a step forward," Barber said via WFAN on July 17. "It just feels like that kind of 'I got it, I learned from it, I'm gonna be better.'"

Dart's figures on the field and his ability to throw the ball well down the field and make plays in read-option situations impressed everyone. But his failure to protect himself on the run became one of the only downsides of his game.

As things stand, it seems Harbaugh just needs to tweak the quarterback's shortcomings and let him figure out the rest.

Do you think Jaxson Dart can stay injury-free this upcoming season? Let us know through your comments.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit