Half certainly one of a collection analyzing the New York Giants.
For the previous 16 years, any analysis or evaluation of the Giants’ quarterback place started and just about ended with Eli Manning. With Eli and his No. 10 jersey off the premises, the glare of the highlight shines instantly on Daniel Jones, coming off a rookie yr stuffed with promise and a complete lot of shedding.
Contemplating all of the derision and angst attributable to normal supervisor Dave Gettleman having the audacity to take Jones with the No. 6 choose within the 2019 draft, Jones acquitted himself fairly effectively — thrust into a difficult, sticky spot. He was alleged to patiently wait his flip behind Manning — studying from the franchise icon, understanding his function because the younger backup whereas, confusingly, not absolutely accepting that function, particularly whereas embroiled in former head coach Pat Shurmur’s (purposely?) obtuse summer time stuffed with stuff equivalent to, “I do know we’re dancing across the phrases right here, however proper now Eli is on the point of have an amazing yr and Daniel is on the point of play.’’
There have been cases Jones appeared extra comfy on the sector than he did avoiding the political footballs as he dutifully (and genuinely) deferred to Manning within the locker room, ever-careful together with his phrases and even his physique language, ready his flip, till Manning now not was at his locker, to handle the media.
In some ways — actually bodily construct, look and, at instances, speech sample — Jones is an Eli clone. Jones, although, rapidly developed a bond with the youthful gamers on offense and, behind the scenes, gave off extra of a swagger vibe than Manning ever did as a rookie. His receivers actually believed in him.
Nobody (aside from Shurmur) thought Jones could be beginning by Week 3, however that’s what occurred, triggering an up-and-down rookie trip. Jones received his first two begins then endured an eight-game shedding streak and completed up his first yr with a beginning document of 3-9. He confirmed an even bigger and extra correct arm than his draft — and Duke — detractors projected for him. His 279 speeding yards — a median of 6.2 per try — placed on show his glorious velocity and athleticism. Take into account: Manning by no means ran for greater than 80 yards in any of his 16 seasons.
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Jones’ touchdown-to-interception price (24-12) was greater than acceptable (Manning as a rookie was 6-9) and his 61.9 completion share was not unhealthy in any respect, contemplating the Giants hardly ever had a lead and Jones was compelled to throw to catch up.
His one evident situation: ball safety. Jones had 18 fumbles, shedding 11. For a man with huge palms and sufficient smarts to know higher, this was inexcusable, and you may be certain Joe Decide and the brand new teaching workers will probably be hammering dwelling “two palms on the ball’’ whereas education Jones and insisting he enhance his pocket consciousness.
The leap from Yr 1 to Yr 2 could be immense for a quarterback, and the Giants will probably be anticipating this from Jones, although he should be taught a brand new offense and acclimate to a brand-new teaching workers, all whereas partaking in a digital offseason.
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“He’s carried out an outstanding job setting the tone with the best way he’s working,’’ Decide mentioned. “That’s the most important a part of it. You’ll be able to’t be a pacesetter in the event you’re not efficient at your job and also you don’t work laborious to your crew. These are the 2 essential issues individuals must observe. I’d say Daniel’s off to a really robust begin in these digital conferences by setting the tone with how he’s working, and that to me is the most important factor. Every little thing he can do at this level, he’s doing. That’s all we are able to ask.’’
Manning acknowledged his presence final season was “most likely awkward’’ for Jones and anticipates, in a Manning-free zone, Jones with the ability to extra forcefully stake his declare as a worthy successor. Jones admitted it was awkward at instances.
Colt McCoy, 33, has simply 28 begins in his nine-year profession — simply three begins prior to now 5 seasons — and may fall in line because the prototype veteran backup. This possible alerts the tip of Alex Tanney’s two-year keep, because the Giants signed Cooper Rush, who has expertise within the system from his time with new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett with the Cowboys.