Outpoll | Giants draft gems Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo show immediate-impact potential in Thursday's 34-17 upset win over Eagles

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Giants draft gems Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo show immediate-impact potential in Thursday's 34-17 upset win over Eagles

Giants draft gems Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo show immediate-impact potential in Thursday's 34-17 upset win over Eagles

1 week ago7 min read6 comments

The New York Giants’ 34-17 dismantling of the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football wasn’t just a Week 6 upset; it was a franchise-altering declaration, a seismic shift powered not by established stars but by a pair of rookie draft gems who immediately recalibrated the team’s entire trajectory. For the first time since a largely meaningless January 2024 win over Philadelphia's backups, the Giants finally slayed their division dragon, and they did so by placing the game squarely in the dynamic, if occasionally reckless, hands of quarterback Jaxson Dart, the 25th overall pick in the 2025 draft.Dart, now 1-2 as a starter, didn't just manage the game; he authored it, delivering a do-it-all masterclass that should send shockwaves through the NFC East. Completing 17 of 25 passes for 195 yards is a solid, if unspectacular, stat line, but it was his 58 rushing yards on 13 attempts that truly fractured the Eagles' defensive scheme, a dual-threat capability reminiscent of a young Russell Wilson.His 20-yard scramble for a touchdown in the first quarter wasn't just a score; it was a statement of intent, injecting a palpable, electric buzz into MetLife Stadium that has been absent for years. Four minutes later, he connected with Wan'Dale Robinson on a 35-yard scoring strike, showcasing the arm talent and poise that makes analysts like me giddy about his potential.Yes, the concern for his long-term durability is valid—his brief exit in the third quarter for a concussion evaluation is a stark reminder of the physical toll his style invites—but the simple, undeniable truth is that Big Blue, now 2-4, operates with a different, more potent energy with Dart under center. He is the catalyst, the franchise quarterback they have been desperately seeking, and his ability to lead an opening touchdown drive for the third consecutive game is a statistical nugget that speaks volumes about his immediate impact and the profound difference a quarterback change can make.Yet, Dart’s heroics were perfectly complemented by another draft-day steal, fourth-round running back Cam Skattebo. The 105th overall pick wasn't just a complementary piece; he was a revelation, grinding out 98 yards on 19 carries and, most impressively, punching in three touchdowns.His numbers tell a story of efficiency and production, but it's the sheer, unrelenting effort with which he plays—a relentless, churning style that evokes memories of a young Maurice Jones-Drew—that truly cements his value to this evolving offense. With the Giants' receiving corps decimated by the season-ending ACL tear to star Malik Nabers and the hamstring absence of Darius Slayton, the team needed others to step up, and they did so emphatically.Wan'Dale Robinson, with six receptions for 84 yards, became Dart's security blanket, while Lil'Jordan Humphrey, elevated from the practice squad, contributed four catches for 55 yards, including a crucial 34-yard reception that kept a vital drive alive. Defensively, the Giants executed a near-perfect game plan, masterfully containing their former icon, Saquon Barkley.After allowing an 18-yard burst on the game's second play, the defense bottled him up, holding him to just 40 yards on his subsequent 11 touches. This fundamental disruption of Philadelphia's offensive identity was pivotal.The Giants' pass rush, led by Brian Burns' two sacks, consistently harassed Jalen Hurts, often by simply rushing four and dropping into effective zone coverage, a testament to defensive coordinator Shane Bowen's shrewd scheming. The unit also generated two critical fourth-quarter takeaways: a Cordale Flott interception of Hurts and a Dane Belton recovery of an AJ Dillon fumble, sealing a victory that was as much about defensive discipline as offensive explosion.This wasn't a fluke; it was a blueprint. The Giants didn't just beat the Eagles; they unveiled their future, a future built on the immediate-impact potential of Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo. As they head to Denver for a Week 7 clash, the question is no longer about rebuilding but about how far this new-found, rookie-driven momentum can carry them.