Alex Smith is worried about Jaxson Dart getting “killed” if the Giants continue to let him run around like a kid on the playground.
The former NFL quarterback called out Giants coach Brian Daboll for not protecting the rookie QB in Dart’s first three starts entering Sunday’s game in Denver.
“I love what Jaxson Dart’s been doing. I think we’ve all been impressed, especially with his athleticism. But for me, it’s just way too much ‘recess.’ Right? Like, everything is ‘recess ball,’” Smith said on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” show. “Again, he’s done a phenomenal job of making plays, but there is no structure. Brian Daboll, you’re supposed to be this offensive genius. Can we scheme some stuff open?
“Again, everything is playground. Run around, make a play. And again, to his credit, Jaxson Dart has been so good, but this guy has been hit more than anybody in football since he took over. You’re gonna get him killed. And now he’s going and playing at Denver, against a defense that may break the sack record. Good luck. I think this is gonna run out at some point. It’s not sustainable.”
The Giants have won two of three games since making the switch from Russell Wilson to Dart, the 25th overall pick in the first round out of Mississippi.
Dart has rushed for 167 yards, but he also has been sacked eight times in his three starts. He had to go into the sideline medical tent to be tested for a concussion during last week’s upset of the Eagles.
Smith, who suffered multiple serious injuries during his 14-year playing career, also criticized Daboll for checking on Dart while he was being evaluated.
“And then, listen, the Brian Daboll catastrophe of running in the medical tent — which by the way, Jaxson Dart has been in the medical tent twice in three games — and we go in the medical tent?” Smith continued. “I mean, what are you doing in there? You are the head football coach, in a critical moment, it was a third- and potentially fourth-down situation.
“Could you imagine Andy Reid or, like, Mike Tomlin running in the medical tent? What are you doing in there? First off, you have no idea, you’re not a doctor, get the hell out of there. And again, this is a critical situation. Coach the football team. That is your job. You paid Russell Wilson $10 million to be there and now be your backup. Like, go execute. I mean, this screams of desperation. Screams of desperation.”
Daboll’s job security with the Giants likely is tied to Dart’s development after the team released current Colts quarterback Daniel Jones last season.
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