After a 34-25 win over the Buffalo Bills in their preseason opener, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll addressed the media to discuss the team’s performance and highlight individual efforts.
On quarterback Jaxson Dart’s first appearance, Daboll said, “About what I thought he would do. Efficient. Effective. Aggressive. Confident in the pocket.” While acknowledging areas for improvement, particularly on third downs and missed opportunities due to drops, Daboll added, “But he’s a confident young player. He’s improved since he’s been here. Still got a long way to go, but I enjoy working with him. I like his demeanor on the sideline. He sees the game well.”
Daboll noted that Dart’s qualities from his time at Ole Miss were evident during the game: “He did that for a long time there. He’s tough. Good moxie. He’s got toughness. He’s got leadership.” The Giants’ offensive line was also credited after allowing no sacks despite 51 pass attempts: “So, credit the offensive line, first and foremost.”
The coach highlighted veteran quarterback Russell Wilson’s experience: “This wasn’t Russell Wilson’s ‘first rodeo.’ It was good for him to start and get into a rhythm.” All four quarterbacks contributed to scoring drives.
Areas needing attention included dropped passes, too many false starts, and giving up big plays defensively. Daboll described Dart as willing to stand in under pressure but able to move when needed: “Dart will ‘stand in there and take one now’ but he has ‘good feel and good athleticism if he has to run.'”
The environment in Buffalo was described as ideal for Dart’s debut: “The ‘packed house’ in Buffalo was a ‘great first environment’ for Dart to make his NFL debut. ‘We practiced with a lot of noise.'” Daboll explained his decision to play healthy starters: “I thought we needed that. We’ll do it again… People that are able to play are going to play…”
Dart’s approach gives receivers more chances downfield: “Dart ‘gives guys chances down the field.’ He doesn’t throw the ball out of bounds most of the time.” The team expects all quarterbacks to provide such opportunities.
Cornerback Deonte Banks played extensively due to Cor’Dale Flott’s absence: “‘Flott wasn’t here. I thought [Banks] could use some work, so I played him as much as I wanted to play him.'” Looking ahead, Daboll mentioned upcoming joint practices with the Jets before their next preseason game: “‘I expect good, competitive practices with that group… Still a way to go, but it beats the alternative.'”
There were limited snaps for rookie Abdul Carter and other starters; joint practices are expected to be important for development: “‘Keep on building with him.'” Daboll summarized by saying it’s only one preseason game: “‘There’s some good stuff and there’s a lot of things that we need to correct.'” No immediate injuries were reported after the game.
General manager Joe Schoen joined Bob Papa and Carl Banks in the broadcast booth during halftime and shared his thoughts on several players’ performances.
On Carter and Dart, Schoen said: “‘I thought both of those guys did a good job… And then Jaxson did a good job operating the offense, and I was glad he was able to get the two-minute drill in there in the end. I’m happy with where both of those guys are.'”
Regarding Wilson’s presence on the field: “‘Being a pro and a vet that’s been doing it for a long time… you can feel that out there today… There aren’t any defenses that he hasn’t seen before… you felt that today.'”
Schoen also commented on rookie Marcus Mbow’s performance at right tackle: “‘We were talking at halftime like it’s been kind of quiet over there on the right side… When we don’t recognize them… that’s typically a good thing at the tackle position.'”
On playing healthy players during preseason games, Schoen stated: “‘We’ve got to be ready to play when September comes.'”
He concluded by praising how Dart and Carter have handled their transition into professional football: “‘It definitely didn’t seem too big for them… each day they’re continuing to get better…'”
The Giants will continue preparations with two joint practices against the Jets ahead of their next preseason contest.
