Jaxson Dart’s early success in vital area already transforming Giants

With Jaxson Dart at quarterback, the Giants have first-quarter reservations for six in the end zone.

The first possession in each of Dart’s first three career starts has resulted in a touchdown, on drives of nine plays for 89 yards against the Chargers, eight plays for 59 yards against the Saints, and six plays for 54 yards against the Eagles. In total, the Giants are 4-for-4 converting third downs on those drives.

Not only is it the first time since 2009 that the Giants have scored touchdowns on their opening drive in three straight games, but Dart is taking the franchise back to a time before Phil Simms’ rookie season.

The last time that the Giants scored touchdowns on both of their first two drives in back-to-back games — as was the case against the Saints and Eagles — was 1978, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

“One of the biggest things since I got into college was starting fast, and that’s something that I really believe in,” Dart said. “Just trying to push everybody to play fast and execute at a high level.

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“Early on, in your first drives in games, are probably some things that are out of the norm or more scheme-based of what you’re seeing from a team. You kind of see that all around the league: Games start out really fast and it kind of slows down because teams are able to make adjustments.”

Teams that score a touchdown on their opening drive this season are 25-10-1 (excluding games in which both teams scored touchdowns), according to NFL Research.

The first team to score in games is 58-34-1.

“The preparation that these guys put into it and the coaches, that’s important,” head coach Brian Daboll said. “You give a lot of credit to the players that are out there making plays.”

Consider this breakdown in the Daboll Era: Four opening-drive touchdowns in 54 games started by Daniel Jones, Tyrod Taylor, Tommy DeVito, Drew Lock and Russell Wilson, compared to three in three games started by Dart.

The rookie quarterback has capped two drives with long touchdown scrambles and another with a touchdown pass to Theo Johnson.

“It can change the whole complexion of the game,” right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor said. “It typically sets the tone. If you have a three-and-out, it’s kind of demoralizing. If you go out there with a nice eight, 12-, sometimes 15-play drive and take off a bunch of clock, that can be demoralizing for a defense because they are like, ‘What we thought was going to work isn’t going to work and now we have to dig into the chest of ideas.’ ”

Too much is made of scripting the first handful of offensive plays because starting on your own 35-yard line after a touchback demands different plays than starting on the opponent’s 10 after a takeaway. But homework pays off.

“Every team has tendencies to start the game — third down, red zone — so you try to take advantage of that, particularly on your opening drive,” receiver Darius Slayton said. “[Scripting] is important from a frame of reference and comfort. The opening 10 plays are also typically plays you’ve repped a lot during the week, so very familiar and a high chance you are going to execute them at a high level.”

The challenge is stiffer Sunday against the Broncos, who are allowing the second-fewest points per game (15.8) in the NFL. But five of their first six opponents have scored (all field goals) on their opening drive.

In other words, strike early or risk not striking much at all.

The Giants’ 14 first-quarter points against the Eagles marked the first time in 82 games (dating to 2020) that they topped seven in the first 15 minutes, snapping the second-longest streak in NFL history.

“I’m very vocal on the things that I feel comfortable with,” Dart said. “Then, at the same time, I’m very open-minded to trying new things as well. I think that I’m just trying to play comfortably and just try to be as efficient as I can within the offense.”

As important as a fast start would be for any team, double it for the Giants given that their defensive identity is built off rushing the passer. Those opportunities increase with a lead.

“We’re doing a good job of finishing, and when you have a defense like ours it puts a lot of pressure on the opposing team because if we go and get seven, the chances of you going right back and getting seven are slim,” Slayton said. “It makes them feel a little early desperation.”