The first day of New York Giants training camp wasn’t about bold predictions or championship proclamations. Instead, it was about a team embracing a new identity under first-year head coach John Harbaugh.
No player embodied that mindset more than second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Entering his second NFL season, Dart is no longer the rookie learning from the sidelines. He’s the unquestioned leader of the offense, and his message after Wednesday’s opening practice reflected a quarterback determined to leave last season behind.
“We didn’t have a good year last year,” Dart admitted. “I can’t wait for this upcoming year. This whole offseason I’ve just been waiting to get back with the guys.”
That hunger has become the foundation of his offseason.
Rather than focusing on statistics or personal accolades, Dart repeatedly emphasized growth, preparation and mastering the details of Harbaugh’s offense.
“I’ve got a lot that I’ve still got to learn,” he said. “I’m taking it day by day. I’m trying to keep everything around me simple… continuing to pour myself into my teammates and my coaches.”
Buying Into Harbaugh
Dart’s excitement about working with Harbaugh was impossible to miss.
The young quarterback praised the veteran coach’s intensity, leadership and willingness to communicate with players at every level of the organization.
“I love Harbs,” Dart said. “His intensity, his love for the game, his leadership… we’re all just focused on buying in.”
While Harbaugh is known throughout the league for his demanding style, Dart said what has impressed him most is how approachable the new head coach has been.
“He’s very observant… from offense to defense to special teams. He’s open to communication. No ego. Ultimately, he just wants to win.”
That collaborative atmosphere appears to be resonating throughout the locker room.
Excitement Surrounding Malik Nabers
One of the biggest storylines entering camp was the return of star wide receiver Malik Nabers, who participated in individual work as he continues recovering from injury.
For Dart, simply seeing his top target back on the field brought energy to the entire offense.
“He definitely has a presence about him,” Dart said. “There’s an aura that he has on the field.”
When asked how Nabers can command attention even during individual drills, Dart smiled.
“It’s Leek. Every time he’s on the field, everybody knows where he’s at.”
The quarterback also acknowledged that he barely had an opportunity to build chemistry with Nabers last season, making every practice rep valuable.
“I had a quarter and one week of reps with him last year. Anytime we’re able to communicate, watch tape and get those reps before he’s 100 percent, that’s huge.”
Dart believes the potential of an offense featuring Nabers, running back Cam Skattebo and himself together for a full season is enormous.
“The sky is the limit.”
Odell Beckham Jr.’s Veteran Influence
While much of the attention centered on Nabers, Dart also spoke glowingly about veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Rather than focusing on Beckham’s comeback story, Dart highlighted the veteran’s leadership.
“He’s really about the teammates,” Dart said. “He’s had the ultimate experience of the highs and the lows.”
For a young quarterback still finding his way, having a player with Beckham’s résumé in the locker room provides another valuable resource.
“I’ve loved having him here so far. He’s just a great guy and a great leader.”
Becoming Comfortable in a New System
One of Dart’s biggest adjustments this offseason has been operating from under center more frequently than he did in college or during portions of his rookie year.
After months of repetition, he believes those changes are becoming second nature.
“We’ve repped the hell out of it,” Dart said. “I’m feeling really good with the track that we’re on.”
Instead of thinking about mechanics before every snap, Dart said he’s now able to focus on timing, concepts and execution.
That comfort showed during Wednesday’s practice, where Harbaugh praised his quarterback for commanding the huddle, handling motions and executing pre-snap responsibilities.
Harbaugh Pleased with Day One
Harbaugh left the opening practice encouraged by what he saw from his football team.
“I thought we were on point,” Harbaugh said. “There was determination. Everybody was focused and determined to get off to a good start.”
The first-year Giants coach was especially pleased with Dart’s command of the offense.
“He had us in and out of the huddle, called everything correctly, did a great job with the cadence… and executed the plays well.”
Harbaugh also confirmed that Nabers’ return remains a day-to-day process, stressing that the organization won’t rush one of its most dynamic offensive weapons.
“He deserves to be out there doing what he did today. It’s really cool to see.”
Brian Burns: Ignore the Hype
On the defensive side, veteran pass rusher Brian Burns echoed many of Harbaugh’s themes.
Burns praised the coach’s intensity and welcomed what figures to be a more demanding training camp.
“Camp’s supposed to be hard,” Burns said. “That’s how it’s supposed to be.”
Although Burns acknowledged the excitement surrounding a healthy offense featuring Nabers and Beckham, he cautioned against getting caught up in preseason expectations.
“There’s been plenty of teams I’ve been on that have been great on paper,” Burns said. “Until we put pen to paper, it don’t really matter.”
Instead, Burns wants the defense focused on establishing its identity, improving conditioning and preparing for meaningful football in September.
A Different Atmosphere at The Greenbrier
For many players, training camp at The Greenbrier offers a unique setting far removed from the distractions of everyday NFL life.
Dart embraced the change immediately.
“This is old school,” he said. “It’s like what you see in the movies.”
With few outside distractions, players are spending more time together, strengthening relationships that could pay dividends once the regular season begins.
“There’s not a ton of things to do around here, so it forces us to be together,” Dart said. “We love each other as a team.”
Burns shared a similar appreciation for the peaceful surroundings, joking about spotting wildlife and possibly spending the team’s lone off day fishing.
“It’s peaceful,” Burns said. “A lot of mountains, trees… but there’s a lot of chaos on the field.”
The Giants’ first practice wasn’t defined by spectacular catches or highlight-reel throws. Instead, it showcased a team buying into a new culture.
John Harbaugh’s demanding, detail-oriented approach has already begun shaping the mindset inside the locker room. Players consistently referenced accountability, communication and daily improvement rather than lofty expectations.
Jaxson Dart appears to have embraced that philosophy completely. His confidence is evident, but it’s balanced by humility and a relentless focus on growth. The chemistry developing with Malik Nabers, the veteran guidance from Odell Beckham Jr. and the steady influence of Harbaugh could provide the foundation the Giants lacked a season ago.
Training camp is only one day old, but the message is already clear: this team isn’t interested in talking about what happened last year. Every answer from Dart, Burns and Harbaugh pointed toward the same goal—improving one day at a time until the results speak for themselves.
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