Troy Aikman concerned about Giants QB Jaxson Dart and his style of play

Before the Giants’ Monday night showdown with the Patriots, Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman said he was worried about Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and his willingness to take care of himself on the football field.

Aikman said he hopes Dart will start taking the necessary precautions after missing New York’s previous two games with a concussion. But based on the way Dart played Monday night and what he said afterward, Aikman probably shouldn’t hold his breath.

“I understand the question, but it’s football,” Dart said. “I’m going to get hit whether I’m in the pocket or out of the pocket. I’ve played that way my whole life. It shouldn’t shock anyone if you follow my career. We don’t play football here. You’re going to get hit, things happen. It’s just part of the game.”

Dart absorbed several big hits in New York’s 33-15 loss to New England, including a bad throw from Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss on a running play during the first quarter.

While Dart’s talent and tenacity 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 style of play reminds him of Jim McMahon, the former Super Bowl-winning Bears quarterback who enjoyed considerable success before injuries changed the trajectory of his career.

It’s safe to say Aikman doesn’t want to see the same thing happen to the Giants’ promising young rookie.

“He’s too valuable not to have him on the field,” Aikman said. “I understand that. When the game is on the line, you have to do what you have to do. But when the game is not on the line, he just has to be able to protect himself a little better than he did.

“I love his tenacity, I love the courage he shows, but it doesn’t help anyone if he’s not out there.”