American Football
Jaxson Dart's secret weapon: The Giants OC who made Mahomes the MVP
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New York Giants' offensive coordinator Matt Nagy spent a lot of time watching Patrick Mahomes up close in Kansas City, and that's exactly why what he says about Jaxson Dart is worth listening to.
With the exception of a three-year spell spent as head coach of the Chicago Bears between 2018 and 2021, Nagy has been present for every moment of Mahomes' three-time MVP career.
And not only was he present, but he was also calling plays.
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"I was able to be fortunate enough to be around Patrick for many years, and I saw Patrick as a rookie, and I got to see him when I came back from Chicago four years in.
"I got to see four more years of him as a vet," Nagy said, first reported by the New York Post.
Many onlookers, especially those who are fans of the Giants, will be hoping Nagy can replicate at least some of that same success with New York gunslinger Dart.
Nagy has, however, already made it clear that he wants the youngster to forge his own path.
"He's Jaxson Dart. He's not Patrick Mahomes," Nagy said on Tuesday.
"We've talked a little bit about the process and what he's been through, but we've also made it clear, you have to be Jaxson Dart."
While he's keen to avoid comparisons between Dart and Mahomes, there are certain traits the two share that Nagy has praised.
Dart showed plenty of promise in his rookie year. He completed 63.7% of his passes in 14 games, throwing 15 touchdowns and only five picks.
Those numbers are particularly impressive when we consider that he achieved them without star wideout Malik Nabers, who was injured for much of the season.
He also compiled 487 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
"I remember coming away really impressed with Jaxson and his accuracy. And then I didn't know, back then, a year ago or two years ago, I didn't know how tough he was and how good a runner he was. He was a really good, sneaky, good runner," Nagy said.
The question now is whether Nagy can help Dart reach his potential. The follow-up question, which Nagy may not like being asked, is whether Dart can get anywhere near Mahomes' territory.
Realistically, very few quarterbacks ever do. But having a coach who's seen it from the inside, who knows exactly what elite looks like and how to build towards it, is about as good a position as any young QB could ask to be in.
