Last week, Jaxson Dart looked sharp, confident, and totally in command. He picked apart defenses and ran with purpose. But, as good as the night was, one concern stood out—Dart’s habit of taking unnecessary hits. Those hits add up, and one wrong blow can change everything. That’s exactly what Drew Bledsoe doesn’t want to see happen again — not after what he lived through two decades ago.

Speaking on the Up & Adams Show, the former Patriots legend believes Dart needs to be smarter when he takes off running. He pointed to one player as the perfect role model. “I remember watching Russell Wilson play, when he would run, Russ has always had this knack for being able to run and make plays and never take the big hit,” Bledsoe said. “If he just goes and puts on some Russell Wilson tapes and watches how Russ has protected himself over the years, that would be a great mentor.”

Bledsoe didn’t stop there. He explained that Wilson’s longevity came from smart running, not power running. Avoiding contact has kept him on the field while others go down. He even threw in a comparison. Bledsoe recalled how people often criticized Josh Allen for being too physical — saying the Bills QB “acts like a football player first and a quarterback second sometimes.” However, one hit can change everything, and Bledsoe knows that more than anyone.

Twenty-four years ago, he suffered a brutal injury in 2001 while leading the Patriots. On a third-and-10, a clean but crushing hit from a Jets linebacker sent him to the sidelines. At first, everyone thought it was just a concussion. Moments later, the trainers realized it was something far worse. Turns out, Bledsoe had a hemothorax — internal bleeding that nearly cost him his life.

That hit not only ended his season but also opened the door for a young Tom Brady to take over in New England. Looking back, Bledsoe’s advice hits even harder. “The best ability is availability. Hopefully, he can play the way he’s been playing and not get himself hurt,” he said about Dart. So let’s look at how Dart has been playing.

Jaxson Dart keeps taking hits in every game

Last week, Jaxson Dart looked every bit the future of the Giants. He went 17-of-25 for 195 yards and a touchdown, carving up the defense like a vet. But one moment flipped the mood inside MetLife. Late in the second half, Dart took a huge hit and stayed down longer than anyone in Giants Nation wanted to see. He eventually got up and jogged off, but not before a quick concussion check. He was fine, thankfully. Still, it was another wake-up call — the rookie’s got to learn to slide. And this wasn’t the first scare.

Through just three starts, Dart checked for a concussion three times. Sure, he’s been cleared every single time and hasn’t missed a snap, but that doesn’t erase the concern. Each big hit chips away at durability, and the Giants can’t afford another quarterback carousel. So far, Dart’s shown real grit.

He’s taken hits and kept delivering for a 2-4 Giants squad still finding its rhythm. Injuries can teach lessons, but smart players learn before the pain hits too deep. As Bledsoe suggested, Dart needs to learn to make plays without inviting punishment. And of course, Mike Kafka has to step in.

The offensive coordinator has to dial back those plays that tempt Dart to run into traffic. The Giants know his toughness isn’t in question — his protection is. Going forward, they’ll work with him on staying upright. Because if he buys into that, the kid’s ceiling is sky-high.