Tyrod Taylor has Jaxson Dart warning as Giants QB takes on dual-threat learning curve

Tyrod Taylor knows the perils of being a dual-threat quarterback, and he knows what it’s like for Jaxson Dart to be learning when to take a hit and when to avoid one. 

The Jets quarterback saw Dart get drilled on the sideline against the Patriots on Monday night. Taylor was asked if he had any advice for Dart. 

“You never want to take away what makes a guy special,” Taylor said. “It was a legal hit. My advice to him would be to be smart about those. Over the course of a season, over the course of a career, those add up. Your best ability is availability, so you want to be out there for the guys and making plays. By all means, do what feels natural, but understand the toll that it takes when you continue to keep taking those hits.”

Taylor is in his 15th NFL season, and he has been injured on hits. He said it takes time to figure out when to avoid the hits. 

“For sure, I had to learn that,” said Taylor, who has rushed for 2,424 yards and 20 touchdowns in his career. “As a dual threat guy, I’ve definitely taken some hits that I shouldn’t have taken in my career. There’s a learning curve that comes with that, and hopefully he learns sooner than not because he’s a special player. His team is better, obviously, when he’s available.” 

The Jets defense had been improved against the run in recent weeks, then they gave up 142 yards on the ground to the Falcons’ Bijan Robinson on Sunday. It could be a hiccup against one of the best backs in the NFL or a sign the defense has not truly fixed its issues.