EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — The challenges continue for the struggling New York Giants and rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The Giants suffered a 34-24 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, marking their seventh loss of the season. Christian McCaffrey spearheaded the 49ers’ victory, rushing for 106 yards on 28 carries, scoring two touchdowns. With Brock Purdy sidelined due to injury, Mac Jones stepped in, throwing for 235 yards, completing 19 of 24 passes, with two touchdowns.
Coach Brian Daboll referred to Dart as “the leader” of the Giants, yet he couldn’t propel the injury-hit team, missing their key running back Cam Skattebo and wide receiver Malik Nabers due to season-ending injuries. Dart managed 191 passing yards, completing 24 of 33 passes, with two touchdowns. Additionally, he scored a rushing touchdown, amassing a team-high 56 rushing yards in the fourth quarter.
“He battles,” Daboll commented on Dart’s play. “Kid gives everything he has, competes 60 minutes, makes good decisions. We’ve got to do a good job of finishing plays around him too.”
Entering the game at 2-6, the Giants had only previously defeated teams with a winning record (Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles). They hoped to maintain that pattern against the 5-3 49ers, who were without Purdy, sidelined by a right big toe injury.
Adding to their challenges, the Giants faced numerous injuries. Skattebo, who had scored seven touchdowns, sustained a dislocated ankle, fibula fracture, and deltoid ligament rupture last week in Philadelphia, effectively ending his season. Nabers had already been lost for the season due to a torn ACL, leaving Dart with a depleted lineup.
The Giants started strong, scoring first as Dart connected with Theo Johnson for a 15-yard touchdown pass, capping off a 64-yard drive on 10 plays in 4:10.
San Francisco quickly responded, with McCaffrey securing a 5-yard touchdown pass from Jones. In the fourth quarter, McCaffrey added a 3-yard touchdown run. Early in the second quarter, Jauan Jennings capitalized on a brief misstep by Giants cornerback Korie Black to score a touchdown, giving the 49ers the lead.
As halftime approached, 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro extended the lead to 17-7 with a 54-yard field goal, followed by a 33-yard kick early in the third quarter, pushing their advantage to 13.
Giants kicker Graham Gano missed a 45-yard field goal attempt to tie the game late in the first half but succeeded with a 22-yard attempt in the third quarter, narrowing the 49ers’ lead.
In the fourth quarter, Brian Robinson Jr. scored an 18-yard touchdown, putting the 49ers up by 16, effectively sealing the game. Despite a 6-yard rushing touchdown from Dart and a 24-yard touchdown reception by Gunner Olszewski later in the quarter, the Giants fell to 2-7 for the season.
Dart appeared to sustain some knocks towards the end of the game. Daboll relayed that Dart claimed he was fine, but being a competitor, the losses are tough to take.
“He’s a competitor,” Daboll stated. “So to get these results, it should frustrate you.”
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