Jackson Dart Earns Praise Ahead of Broncos Matchup

DENVER — A significant voice from the Broncos defense holds high regard for Jackson Dart, suggesting he’s worth the investment.

In his first encounter with Dart as an NFL opponent, Pat Surtain II, often seen as the league’s top cornerback, shared abundant compliments and one notably intriguing insight.

“The team is rallying behind him. He’s very confident,” Surtain commented. “It’s like he’s playing with something to prove. You can see he’s calm and possesses intangible qualities. He’s capable of making any throw on the field. An often overlooked part of his game is his ability to maneuver and create opportunities with his legs.”

“I think he’ll definitely become a great player in this league.”

Dart’s composure, running, and passing skills have shone in his initial three starts, with the fourth set for Sunday at Mile High, where the Broncos have enjoyed a seven-game winning streak since the previous season. Surtain also noted the value in examining the less visible traits that Dart brings to the game.

What fuels Dart’s determination? Well, he was a standout in high school and quickly became a top prospect heading into college, eventually making a name for himself at Ole Miss. Sure, he faced skepticism, but it’s not as if he was an underdog or an unfamiliar face. He was the second quarterback selected in the 2025 draft—nothing to scoff at. After an exceptional spring and summer, the Giants promoted him to starting quarterback by Week 4, a pretty rapid ascent.

But Dart has a different perspective.

“First of all, my high school journey was a bit delayed,” he reflected. “I didn’t receive a college offer until the fourth or fifth week of my senior year, and even then, it wasn’t a full scholarship. I feel like my story has been one I’ve had to fight for, and it has felt strange at times.”

“Especially in college, returning to bowl games after my final season, people said I might be a fourth-round pick. There was a lot of chatter, but that chip on my shoulder comes from me. I aim to be the best, and my parents taught me to play hard and leave it all on the field.”

“So yes, I definitely play with a chip on my shoulder. It’s something that’s always been part of me, and I don’t think that will ever change. When I arrived here, I don’t think everyone understood my mindset or how seriously I take leading and competing. That’s something I won’t let go of.”

With Malik Nabors out for the rest of the season and Darius Slayton questionable due to a hamstring issue, Dart will need to rely on an uncertain group of receivers. The Broncos, leading the league with 30 sacks, will pose a significant challenge, and Dart will need to secure the ball when under pressure.

Defensively, the Giants hope to replicate the Jets’ success last week in London, neutralizing second-year quarterback Bo Nix along with his key playmakers. The Broncos managed to win narrowly, scoring just one touchdown and two field goals.

Dart has two wins at MetLife Stadium but only one loss on the road, which came in a Week 5 defeat to the Saints, a game marred by five turnovers by the Giants. While the team is moving forward, Dart finds it hard to shake off that loss.

“We definitely should’ve won three in a row. Looking back, if we hadn’t had those turnovers, we could have taken that game,” he expressed.

There are lessons Dart is eager to apply as they face this challenging road matchup.

“You have to be able to weather the storm. Not everything will go perfectly,” he said. “Mistakes will happen. The momentum shifts will be a constant in every game.”