Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh just made their stance on Jaxson Dart unmistakably clear — and it changes everything before Giants-49ers kickoff.
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Jaxson Dart in action during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The New York Giants (2-6) are preparing for a home tilt with the San Francisco 49ers (5-3) on Sunday.
Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has been a hot topic since being inserted as the starter in Week 4 and has taken the league by storm.
The Ole Miss product has racked up some gaudy numbers to start his career and has won two of his first five starts.
Dart has completed 59.9% of his passes and thrown for 984 yards, including eight passing touchdowns and three interceptions.
He’s been productive on the ground as well, running 43 times for 195 yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Dart’s performances have caught the eyes of San Francisco’s coaches, including head coach Kyle Shanahan and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, and both coaches have praised the rookie throughout the week.
Kyle Shanahan Praises Jaxson Dart
The San Francisco 49ers head coach knows a thing or two about quarterback play.
In Shanahan’s Niners stint, he’s had 10 different starting quarterbacks, and has managed to maintain a winning percentage of .546.
So it’s safe to say that when he praises a quarterback, it carries a little more weight than your average Joe.
“I’ve been really impressed with him. They’re mixing in a lot of RPOs for him, which I think is good for him, and he’s got a good feel for them. He’s just been really impressive watching the tape. He’s got a very good knack for off-schedule plays,” Shanahan said regarding Dart.
Come for K Shanahan speaking on J Dart, stay for him on C Skattebo.
“Attacking through the air, scrambling. You drop any of your plays in coverage, he finds them. His vision is pretty elite. When he gets outside the pocket, or playing inside the pocket, he knows how to play quarterback. And he’s been extremely impressive so far.”
Clearly, Shanahan likes what he’s seeing from the 25th overall pick in this past April’s draft, and to go even further, is impressed by New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll’s offense around him.
Robert Saleh Gushes Over Jaxson Dart
There’s arguably no better job done by a defensive coordinator this season than Saleh, who’s been dealt a rough hand with injuries.
Losing Nick Bosa and Fred Warner should’ve set them back, but the San Francisco 49ers continue to find ways to get stops and win games.
Saleh also knows a thing or two about the New York market and quarterback play, having served as the New York Jets head coach from 2021-2024.
And he has also been impressed by the New York Giants‘ rookie quarterback.
“He is uber talented. I understand why Daboll went to the Blue Tent. I probably would have went too,” Saleh joked, referring to the team’s concussion controversy from their Week 6 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
#49ers DC Robert Saleh on Giants QB Jaxson Dart: “He is uber-talented. I understand why [Brian] Daboll went to the blue tent — I probably would’ve gone too. … I think New York hit on this one big time. … This kid is going to be special.”
(🎥@957thegame)
“He’s a really, really, really good kid. I think New York hit on this one, big time. But he’s dynamic, he’s decisive, he’s accurate. He’s been a joy to watch. Just studying his tape over the last five starts now. And they’re doing a really good job with him.
“There’s certain things they’re asking of him, but they’re doing a good job hiding it within their weekly game plans. I’ve always thought Daboll’s done a really good job, him and [Mike] Kafka. They put a lot of strain on defenses, and this kid, he’s going to be special.”
The 49ers coaches have made it obvious they’re not taking the opposing quarterback lightly, no matter how young he is.
It will be a fun chess match to watch on Sunday as the Giants look to bounce back from a demoralizing loss to their division rival Eagles, last weekend.
