Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart contributed to the New York Giants’ historic collapse at the Denver Broncos on Sunday when he tossed an inexcusable interception on a third-down play with under five minutes remaining in regulation.
Following that turnover, the Denver offense quickly produced a touchdown that decreased the Giants’ lead to 26-23 with 3:51 left on the clock. During the “Sunday Night Football” wrap-up show that aired on Peacock, Hall of Fame coach and current analyst Tony Dungy suggested that Giants head coach Brian Daboll and/or offensive coordinator Mike Kafka didn’t do well enough to inform Dart how the first-year pro should handle such a play.
What Jaxson Dart should have heard before brutal mistake vs. Broncos
“That is something that you can’t do at that time,” Dungy said about the interception. “You got a 10-point lead. And if I’m a coach, offensive coordinator, quarterback coach, that’s what I’m telling him. ‘Hey, we got to take our time. Use the whole 40-second (play) clock. We’re going to run it, take care of the football. Punting is not a bad thing.'”
To his credit, Dart acknowledged after the defeat that he made “an unacceptable mistake.” That said, Dungy indicated that the 22-year-old should’ve had it hammered into his head on the sideline before the drive that getting a first down at all costs wasn’t necessary at that point in the contest.
“‘Run the clock down,'” Dungy added about what he would’ve told Dart. “‘We’re going to run it. Tell those guys to stay in bounds. No penalties, and we can’t have a turnover.'”
Does Tony Dungy think Brian Daboll should keep his job with Giants?
Almost immediately after the Giants shockingly surrendered 33 fourth-quarter points to lose to Denver, angry Big Blue fans posting on social media called for team co-owner John Mara to clean house. However, two-time Super Bowl champion Rodney Harrison said late Sunday night he thinks Daboll should continue working with Dart through at least the remainder of this season.
Dungy agreed that the best thing for Dart would be to keep the current offensive coaching staff intact for now.
“At the end of the [season], you make a decision,” Dungy said about when Mara should make a final call about Daboll’s future.
For now, Daboll and Co. will need to help Dart shake off Sunday’s mistake as the 2-5 Giants prepare to play at the Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) on Oct. 26. As of Monday morning, ESPN BET had the Giants as 6.5-point underdogs for that Week 6 rematch.
The Giants earned a 34-17 win over the Eagles at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 9.
