Jaxson Dart's Newfound Patience Is Paying Off for the Giants, Darnell Mooney Says

The second-year quarterback's growing patience with the Giants' new offense is one of the biggest strides of camp.

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws the ball while training at Quest Diagnostics Training Center, Aug 10, 2026, East Rutherford, NJ, USA. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart knew that learning a new offense that required pushing him outside of his comfort zone was going to take time.

But the second-year quarterback, who has been described by his teammates and by his head coach John Harbaugh as someone who seeks perfection on every play, needed to realize that slow and steady wins the race.

Dart’s newfound patience is, in fact, one of the biggest strides he’s made since camp started, according to wide receiver Darnell Mooney.

“At first, I would say he was pretty pissed off with a couple of things at the beginning because a lot of guys are trying to figure out everything,” Mooney said on Monday.

“We're trying to learn the playbook. Now that the guys know the playbook, everything's running a little bit smoother. He's not having to help everyone out. We can help him out. He's calming down more so that he can play quarterback. He doesn't have to help out everybody so much.”

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It’s hard to blame Dart for taking the initiative to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Some might even say that it was a case of him doing too much, but again, it’s a sign of his commitment to making things work in the new offensive system and doing all he can to get the Giants back on the winning track.

Harbaugh echoed Mooney’s observation about his quarterback’s growing comfort level.

“I do think the comfort level operating all the different elements and options that he has at his disposal has been big,” Harbaugh said.

“I mean, we've made a lot of progress with that. You know, the motions, the shifts, the getting us in and out of certain plays–I see that.”

The Giants have done everything possible to ensure Dart’s transition to the new offense and his career trajectory continues to point upward, including giving him taller receiving targets such as rookie Malachi Fields and tight end Isaiah Likely, both of whom have shown a propensity to get open and separate.

Mooney said he’s been impressed by what the young gunslinger has shown.

“Amazing, amazing talent. Has a nice strong arm. As you can see, all the guys, the defensive players, were happy that he slid on one of the plays. He's being smart, and he has his legs as well. All around great quarterback,” he said.

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