The New York Giants’ season clearly hasn’t gone as planned. Despite having some promising rookies on its roster, the team has now dropped seven consecutive games to fall to 2-11 for the season. They may have hit rock bottom in the 33-15 primetime loss to the New England Patriots.
Injuries to WR Malik Nabers and RB Cam Skattebo clearly took a toll on their ability to compete at the highest level. However, their rookies’ reluctance to adapt to life in the pros might be an even bigger concern.
Abdul Carter, the No. 3 pick in the draft, was benched for the first drive of the loss after reportedly being late again. It was the second time in three games under interim head coach Mike Kafka that this has happened. Even so, he didn’t necessarily sound too worried or repentant about that:
"S--- happens," Carter said after the game. "I'm not going to get into details. S--- happens."
Abdul Carter when asked three times on what led to his benching:
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) December 2, 2025
"S--t happens"
"I ain't going to get into detail, s--t happens"
"You asked me the same question, I just answered" pic.twitter.com/ll8C4KAcW2
The rookie pass rusher has made a minimal impact on the defense this season, logging just 1.5 sacks and 17 solo tackles.
That also seems to be the case with Jaxson Dart. The rookie out of Ole Miss has been evaluated for a concussion four times already, even missing two games because of that.
He returned to face the Patriots on Monday Night, just to take another huge hit to the head after piling up more yards with his legs instead of running out of bounds after securing the first down.
Dart was defiant of the notion that he needs to take better care of his body, which has been the main concern with him so far:
“No, look, I understand the question, but this is football," Dart said. "I'm going to get hit if I'm in the pocket or outside the pocket. I feel like I played this way my whole entire life. It shouldn't be any shocker to anybody if you followed along with my career. We're not playing soccer out here. You're going to get hit. Things happen. It's just part of the game."
Jaxson Dart was asked about continuing to take hard hits:
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) December 2, 2025
"I understand the question, but this is football. I'm going to get hit if I'm in the pocket or outside the pocket. I've played this way my whole entire life. It shouldn't be any shocker to anybody if you've followed along… pic.twitter.com/VLrNHirNA4
It’s always nice to watch players who want to compete and be out there regardless of the wear and tear the game takes on their bodies. Nevertheless, Dart has to think about the big picture, as he’s not going to be in the league for long if he continues to take those hits.
The Giants have multiple issues right now, but their biggest problem might be their culture. It doesn’t sound like the rookies are too eager to listen to their coaches.