EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The excitement was palpable as Jaxson Dart celebrated his first NFL victory, hugging head coach Brian Daboll on the field following the New York Giants’ 21-18 win over the previously unbeaten Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Dart, who made a stunning debut as a starter, showcased his potential, throwing a touchdown pass and adding another on the ground.

“Happy we got him,” Daboll said of his rookie quarterback, whose performance was a bright spot for a team struggling early in the season. Dart, reflecting on the significance of the moment, mentioned that despite the competitive nature of the game, it was an unforgettable experience. “It’s just a football game, but this one felt special,” he said.

The victory came with mixed feelings as the Giants (1-3) faced uncertainty regarding the health of wide receiver Malik Nabers. Carted off after suffering a knee injury in the second quarter, Nabers’ status remains unclear, and Daboll expressed his concern for the player’s well-being. “Unfortunately, this is a business of injury,” he noted.

Dart’s performance was impressive, particularly given the circumstances surrounding his promotion to starter over veteran Russell Wilson. He quickly asserted himself, running for a 15-yard touchdown on the opening drive and completing a 3-yard scoring pass to tight end Theo Johnson. Dart finished with 111 passing yards while completing 13 of 20 attempts, alongside 54 rushing yards on 10 carries.

In between his standout plays, Dart faced some challenges, including a hamstring strain and a hard hit that led to a brief evaluation for a potential head injury. “He gutted it out,” said Daboll, praising Dart’s toughness. “He’s a tough son of a gun, and we knew that going in.”

The Giants’ defense contributed significantly, with crucial stops, including a vital sack by Brian Burns on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert that forced a late-game punt. Dart and the offense managed to control the clock afterward, setting up a tense final drive for Los Angeles, which ultimately ran out of time.

Herbert, despite a strong performance with 203 passing yards and one touchdown, struggled with turnovers, throwing two interceptions. His frustration was evident as he reflected on the game. “We just didn’t execute,” he said, adding that the offense needed to step up during critical moments.

The Chargers (3-1) mounted a late comeback, highlighted by rookie Omarion Hampton’s impressive 54-yard touchdown run, marking a franchise record for a rookie. However, the Giants’ response — including a successful two-point conversion — kept them ahead.

The game was not without its mishaps, as both teams faced injury setbacks. Besides Nabers, Los Angeles left tackle Joe Alt was carted off with an ankle injury early on, while Giants safety Jevon Holland left the game briefly but returned.

Looking ahead, the Chargers will try to rebound at home against the Washington Commanders next week, while the Giants aim to build on this newfound momentum when they face the New Orleans Saints on the road, hoping to capitalize on Dart’s impressive emergence as a leader.