John Harbaugh not concerned about Jaxson Dart’s self-protection
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh has expressed confidence in quarterback Jaxson Dart’s ability to protect himself on the field, despite concerns that arose during Dart’s rookie season. Harbaugh, who views Dart as a quality franchise quarterback, compared the situation to his experience with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore.
Dart’s dual-threat capabilities made the Giants’ offense dynamic in his 12 starts last season. However, this style of play also exposed him to significant hits, including a tweaked left ankle in October and multiple concussions that led to him missing two games. The perception is that Dart needs to improve his self-protection on quarterback runs, knowing when to concede a play to avoid severe contact.
Harbaugh addressed these concerns on “The Domonique Foxworth Show,” stating that Dart is aware of the importance of staying healthy. He recalled similar discussions about Jackson early in his career, noting that Jackson was initially resistant to changing his playing style. Harbaugh believes Dart, like Jackson, will learn to protect himself because of his desire to remain on the field.
Harbaugh highlighted Dart’s versatility, explaining that the quarterback can thrive in various offensive schemes, including power-running games and RPO (run-pass option) concepts. He suggested that a strong ground game and an improved offensive line should alleviate some pressure on Dart. However, there will still be instances where Dart needs to use his legs to extend plays.
The key for Dart, according to Harbaugh, will be understanding when a play is over and getting down before taking a big hit. This evolution in understanding the speed and intensity of NFL defenders is a crucial part of the transition from a rookie season to a second year, applicable to both passing and scrambling situations.
Team Culture and Offseason Developments
Harbaugh also touched upon team culture during his interview, referencing a situation in May involving Dart and edge rusher Abdul Carter. The two teammates had a public disagreement after Dart introduced President Donald Trump at a rally, but they quickly resolved the issue to prevent further distraction.
Harbaugh viewed this incident as an opportunity for the team to develop its emotional intelligence and learn how to operate together. He emphasized that such situations are not isolated and that the team needs to be prepared for future political and social discourse. Harbaugh noted that the players themselves took the initiative to establish ground rules for how to approach such matters moving forward.
The Giants are preparing for training camp, with rookies scheduled to report on July 23 and veterans on July 28. The team’s offseason has been marked by Harbaugh’s hiring, which was a significant league-wide story. Harbaugh, who previously led the Ravens to a Super Bowl title, took on the Giants’ coaching role with the goal of rebuilding the team into a contender.
The upcoming training camp will be held at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, a decision made due to facility upgrades in East Rutherford. Harbaugh sees this location as an opportunity for team bonding, as players will be away from home and spend more time together.
Harbaugh’s introductory press conference on January 20 outlined his mission to lead the Giants to become world champions. He embraced the challenge of rebuilding the team, drawing parallels to his brother Jim’s success in Los Angeles. The Giants have made the postseason only twice since their 2011 Super Bowl win.
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Source: nfl.com
