With the return of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to the New York Giants' lineup this week, there was a lot of talk about him giving the team an edge that the New England Patriots might not have been prepared for.
Although he hasn't had the most impressive rookie year, he's had explosive moments that make it look like he could be the future for the franchise, and that could mean a long night for the Patriots' defense.
For the most part, however, that wasn't the case on Monday night, and instead, Dart learned a hard lesson (or two) from some veteran defenders. The most notable moment was Christian Elliss' hard but legal hit to the quarterback near the sideline, which prompted his teammates to go after Elliss in his defense.
Fortunately, the officials and even the commentators correctly addressed the situation by emphasizing it was a legal play, since Dart chose not to step out of bounds, and it will surely be a talking point all week in New York.
It certainly helps that Mike Vrabel gave them a bold statement to talk about, too.
Mike Vrabel doesn't sugarcoat his feelings on Christian Elliss' big hit on Jaxson Dart
While speaking to reporters after the big win, Vrabel was asked to comment on Elliss's hit, which many felt should have been flagged, and the head coach made a point to mention how crucial it is for quarterbacks to avoid putting themselves in that situation.
He sent a pointed message to the rookie about not trying to do too much on the sideline, proving even more just how different the coaching is in New England and New York, as Drake Maye doesn't make those kinds of mistakes.
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on if the team fed off of Christian Elliss’ big hits:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) December 2, 2025
“I certainly did, I think our fans did, I think our team did… It’s a weekly reminder to the quarterback — our quarterback… I wouldn’t get too cute over there by the sidelines.”
(🎥 @Patriots) https://t.co/tqvSvHlVw6 pic.twitter.com/EUBfbvkHVS
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It was a shocking sight to see Dart actively choose not to step out of bounds and take the hit instead, especially since it was his first game back from suffering a concussion.
It could be chalked up to a rookie mistake, but it's not something that he can keep up moving forward, or he's unnecessarily risking his health and the fate of the Giants' offense if he gets hurt.
It's just another reason that Patriots fans should be thankful they have a head coach like Vrabel to teach the team about these kinds of things and not have to learn the hard way, like Dart and the Giants just did.