Jaxson Dart gets first start in Giants’ preseason finale against Patriots

Call him Jaxson Start.

Giants coach Brian Daboll opted to give rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart his first preseason start Thursday night, sending him out to face the Patriots at MetLife Stadium.

The expectation was for Dart to play at least through the first quarter.

It comes as no surprise that Daboll opted to rest Russell Wilson and most or all of the starters on both sides of the ball. 

Daboll changed up his approach this summer, giving his starters playing time in the first two preseason games, victories over the Bills and Jets. 

After those two games, Daboll opted to go the cautious route with his key players, eyeing the Sept. 7 regular-season opener in Washington.

Dart, 22, injected a large dose of optimism into the fan base with his performances in the first two preseason games. 

He completed 26 of 35 passes for 291 yards. 

He tossed two touchdown passes and ran for one touchdown. 

His moxie, calmness and ability to rally his teammates were all traits the Giants believed Dart possessed when they decided to trade up to the No. 25 pick in the first round of the NFL draft to get him. 

Seeing him do it in training camp, and then in the preseason, has been encouraging for all involved with his NFL development.

Daboll has maintained that the 36-year old Wilson, entering his 14th NFL season, is the Opening Day starter. 

Dart might have done enough to claim the backup role, as he received second-team reps throughout training camp. 

Jameis Winston, 31, worked mostly with the third team in camp.

Wilson started the first two preseason games. He completed 10 of 14 passes for 136 yards.