While Daniel Jones thrives with the 8-2 Indianapolis Colts, his former team, the New York Giants, sees their quarterback, Jackson Dart, facing a coaching shakeup just ten games into the season. Head coach Brian Daboll was recently fired following another collapse, with the Giants losing 24-20 to the Chicago Bears.
The team’s offensive coordinator, Mike Kafka, has stepped in as the interim head coach, while general manager Joe Schoen begins the search for Daboll’s permanent replacement.
Interestingly, Daboll’s fate mirrors Jones’ own situation from last year when the Giants released him during a tumultuous season, ultimately leading to a trade that allowed New York to select Dart out of Ole Miss in the 2025 NFL Draft. After a short stint with the Vikings, Jones captured the starting quarterback role in Indianapolis and has been thriving ever since. Given Dart’s current circumstances, what advice might Jones offer him as he navigates his second head coach in such a short time?
“I don’t know Mr. Dart personally,” Jones said in an interview, also mentioning his work with FedEx’s “Power Move” campaign during the bye week. “But I’ve heard great things about him. Many people in New York enjoy working with him. I think he’s having a solid year, and I’m excited to see how he develops.”
As for advice, Jones believes Dart has a good grasp on what he needs to do. “He’s been playing well, and as long as he keeps working and stays consistent, I’m sure he’ll be just fine.”
Dart has certainly made headlines since becoming the starter in Week 4, replacing Russell Wilson. He’s managed to throw for 1,417 yards, achieving 10 touchdowns with three interceptions, boasting a completion rate of 62.7%. Additionally, he’s racked up seven rushing touchdowns, a total that places him at the top among quarterbacks this season.
It’s worth noting that Dart’s recent concussion during the game against the Bears impacted the team’s dynamics. Acknowledging this, Kafka has named James Winston as the starting quarterback for the upcoming home game against the Green Bay Packers.
Despite the Giants’ ongoing struggles, Jones remains unfazed. With the Colts leading the NFL in passing yards and sitting comfortably at 8-2 in the AFC South, he has found a stable environment in Indianapolis. He might see a future there, especially since he is heading into free agency in 2026.
Yet, Jones is empathetic to what Dart is enduring—stepping into the role of a first-round quarterback in such a challenging market. Back in 2019, Jones faced skepticism from some Giants fans even before he took the field. He simply focused on improving and giving his best, even during tough times.
Jones has lived through coaching changes firsthand: Pat Shurmur was let go after his rookie year, Joe Judge was dismissed ahead of the 2022 season, and now Daboll follows suit. Despite the chaos, he sees potential in Dart and believes he can be a long-term asset for the Giants.
Meanwhile, Jones will be watching from miles away but holds no grudges, keeping connections with his former teammates. He’s committed to his role with the Colts as they aim for playoff success.
Jones recently returned from Germany, where he participated in a campaign with FedEx, highlighting the importance of teamwork and support. “Right now, my power move is handing the ball to Jonathan Taylor,” he remarked, showcasing his appreciation for teammates who contribute significantly to the team’s performance.
Taylor, who recently had a notable three-touchdown game, is also a nominee for the FedEx Air and Ground NFL Awards, which celebrates standout performances across the league. Jones is rooting for him and believes he deserves recognition for his consistency and contribution to their explosive offensive play.
