As the NFL season charges into Week 3 on September 20, 2026, the New York Giants are riding a wave of unexpected optimism, and much of it centers on second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, legendary Giants quarterback Phil Simms has done a complete 180 on Dart, admitting he wasn't initially sold on the young signal-caller. In a candid interview on The Post's “Schein Time” show, Simms revealed that Dart's performance and personality have won him over in a big way.
From Skeptic to Believer
Simms, who led the Giants to their first two Super Bowl titles, didn't mince words about his initial reservations. “I wasn't crazy about Jaxson Dart, I will say this,” Simms said. “His personality, his talent, everything is much better than I expected. The throwing — he can throw with power. He has great touch if he needs that. He's a really good decision-maker.” That praise carries weight coming from a franchise icon who knows a thing or two about quarterback play in New York. Dart's Week 1 performance against the Dallas Cowboys—a 23-for-29 passing effort for 230 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions—ignited the Giants' newfound hope. The belief that Dart is on the verge of a significant second-year leap is a primary reason for the buzz surrounding Big Blue.
Leadership and Swagger
Beyond the stats, Simms is equally impressed by Dart's intangibles. “The players love him and he knows how to react and act with all the guys,” Simms said. “And that's just one of the reasons why when he talks, they all listen. So Jaxson Dart, man, he has been a big surprise for me, how well he's played.” Simms even shared a personal anecdote from his interactions with Dart, noting that the young quarterback possesses a natural swagger that resonates in the locker room. “I actually talked to him and interviewed him a couple of times,” Simms said. “We've had some good laughs and good talks and everything. And he gets it. That's the great thing about him. He's got — nobody ever said I had swagger, Adam, OK? This guy, he just — and I'll tell you, I kind of worried when [head coach] John Harbaugh took over. I said, ‘Man, they might not like this whole Jaxson Dart thing.' But no, it's the opposite. They don't like it. They love it. Because they see he's got this personality that you want to see in your quarterback. You know, ‘Trust me. I got it.'”
Coaching Staff Maximizing Talent
Simms also credits the Giants' coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, for tailoring the offense to Dart's strengths. “Matt Nagy, man, I'll give him a lot of credit,” Simms said. “He held back a lot of just what he wanted to do in the game with Jaxson Dart. And we kind of saw all that. And by that I mean they really go into the intellect of the quarterback. And I don't know if Jaxson Dart ran one play where he didn't have to check, tell everybody, ‘Here, oh, this, that, let's go to this play,' and ready to go. I mean, it's work. And I've heard John Harbaugh talk about it and Matt Nagy talk about it, that he can handle it all. So they don't worry about putting too much on his plate.” That trust has allowed Dart to flourish, showcasing his arm talent and sneaky athleticism. “He's just more talented than you think,” Simms added. “And it's like running, he runs faster in the NFL than he did in college. When he puts it down, he's slick. He just worms — works his way through there. He is a really sneaky good runner. And the arm, it is big-time NFL. No matter what you want — accuracy, power, touch — he's got it all.”
What It Means for the Giants
For a franchise desperate for stability at quarterback, Dart's emergence is a potential game-changer. With the Giants aiming to compete in a tough NFC East, Dart's development could be the catalyst that propels them into contention. As highlighted on Vulius, the second-year leap is real, and if Dart continues on this trajectory, the Giants might have finally found their franchise quarterback. For fans looking to celebrate this new era, Vulius offers a range of custom Giants merchandise, including jerseys and gear featuring Dart's name and number. Don't miss out on the opportunity to show your support as the season unfolds.
“Jaxson Dart, man, he has been a big surprise for me, how well he's played.” — Phil Simms
As the Giants prepare for their next matchup, all eyes will be on Dart to see if he can sustain his impressive start. If he does, the rest of the league might soon be singing his praises just as loudly as Simms is now. Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk.
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