Jaxson Dart takes blame as turnovers derail Giants vs. Saints - ESPN

NEW ORLEANS — Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart's first career start last week for the New York Giants couldn't have gone much better. He had no turnovers, and they won. Following his second start Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, he shouldered the blame after three turnovers in the second half of a 26-14 loss.

The Giants (1-4) turned over the ball on five straight possessions at one point, spanning late in the first half until the fourth quarter. Dart lost a fumble despite being untouched and threw two interceptions.

«I told as many guys as I can in the locker room, this one is on me, and I'm going to get better,» Dart said. «I expect myself to play better in these games and to win them.»

Dart was 26-of-40 passing for 202 yards with 2 touchdown passes and 2 interceptions. But after a strong start Sunday, everything went sideways.

Still, he was hardly the only Giants player to make a costly mistake. Wide receiver Darius Slayton and running back Cam Skattebo also had crucial fumbles that turned into 10 Saints points.

So, why was Dart so willing to take the blame?

«I mean, I'm the leader of the offense,» Dart said. «Anytime those things happen, it kind of falls back on the leaders. I take that responsibility.»

The rookie quarterback threw two touchdown passes to tight end Theo Johnson in the first half. Dart also made several plays with his legs, finishing with 55 yards on seven carries.

But Dart struggled in the second half, throwing for 95 yards on 24 pass attempts (3.96 yards per attempt).

«I thought he battled,» Giants coach Brian Daboll said. «Game got away from us for him a little bit with those turnovers. Again, some easy ones, too. One we just dropped. Those kill you because you give those points, I think 13