{"id":770565,"date":"2026-02-23T06:37:26","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T06:37:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/770565\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T06:37:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T06:37:26","slug":"eli-manning-offers-blunt-take-on-new-york-giants-qb-jaxson-dart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/770565\/","title":{"rendered":"Eli Manning offers blunt take on New York Giants QB Jaxson Dart"},"content":{"rendered":"

Feb. 22, 2026, 7:03 a.m. ET<\/p>\n

New York Giants<\/a> legend Eli Manning delivered a candid and optimistic assessment of quarterback Jaxson Dart’s future during a recent appearance on ESPN New York<\/a> with Dave Rothenberg and Rick DiPietro.<\/p>\n

As the franchise transitions into a new era under head coach John Harbaugh, Manning expressed strong confidence in the direction of the team, particularly with Dart positioned as the long-term signal-caller.<\/p>\n

When asked about the excitement surrounding the Giants’ fresh start, Manning responded affirmatively.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

“No, I mean, I think you should be excited. I think the John Harbaugh hire,” Manning said, “you could not have asked for a better situation getting him… He\u2019s the coach we needed, but usually, you know the coach that\u2019s unavailable, and so I think there\u2019s a lot of excitement there. You (have) Jaxson Dart… you have your quarterback of the future.”<\/p>\n

Manning went on to praise Dart’s intangibles, highlighting his leadership qualities.<\/p>\n

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n

“Well, I just think he\u2019s a great leader. I\u2019ve seen that in the locker room, just how people talk about him. And obviously he has earned his teammates’ respect through his preparation, through his play, and, you know, I think through his toughness,” he said.<\/p>\n

The two-time Super Bowl champion also offered pointed advice on the next phase of Dart’s development, addressing the challenge many young, mobile quarterbacks face in balancing their athleticism with smarter decision-making.<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s kind of like the, you know, the next step for young quarterbacks is, hey, I have the ability to run, but I don\u2019t want to do that too often. You know, I want to get the ball to the receivers,” Manning said, “it\u2019s just kind of finding that sweet spot of, you know, when you know, hey, I need to get the ball out.”<\/p>\n

Manning’s comments underscore a blend of endorsement and realism: Dart possesses the tools and presence to succeed, but refining his timing, progressions, and willingness to avoid unnecessary risks will be crucial to unlocking his full potential as the Giants’ franchise quarterback.<\/p>\n

Fans, long weary of quarterback instability, have reason for guarded optimism in this pairing of elite coaching and emerging talent.<\/p>\n

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