To Giants'Monday night's collision with PatriotsHall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman said he's worried about the Giants' rookie quarterback. Jackson Dart and his willingness to take care of himself on the football field.
Aikman said he hopes Dart starts taking proper precautions after missing New York's two previous games with a concussion. But based on how Dart played Monday night and what he said afterward, Aikman probably shouldn't hold his breath.
“I understand the question, but this is football.” Dart said. “I'll get passed if I'm in the pocket or out of the pocket. I've played like that my whole life. It shouldn't be a shock to anyone if you've been following my career. We don't play football here. You can get hit, things happen. It's just part of the game.”
Dart took some big hits during New York's 33-15 loss to New England, including a nasty hit from a Patriots linebacker. Christian Ellis about the running game in the first quarter.
While Dart's talent and toughness cannot be questioned, many, including Aikman, question Dart's mentality in terms of taking care of his physical well-being on the football field. Ironically, Aikman said Dart's playing style reminded him of Jim McMahon, former Bears A Super Bowl-winning quarterback who achieved significant success before injuries changed the trajectory of his career.
It's safe to say Aikman doesn't want the same thing to happen to the Giants' promising young rookie.
“He’s too valuable not to be on the field,” Aikman said. “I understand that. When the game is on the line, you gotta do what you gotta do. But when the game is not on the line, he just needs to be able to defend himself a little better than he is now.”
“I like his toughness, I like the tenacity he shows, but it doesn’t help anyone if he’s not there.”
