As a rule, even probably the most optimistic Monday Morning Quarterback wouldn't spend the day after a 26-point defeat lobbying for a brand new deal for the shedding man underneath middle. Daniel Jones ended up on the improper facet of Jalen Hurts and the high-flying Eagles, and the Giants staggered out of MetLife Stadium in dire want of a reboot.
However at the same time as his group unraveled round him, Jones managed to do Sunday what he’s executed for many of what was marketed as his make-or-break 12 months. He performed turnover-free ball, threw for a landing, ran for a landing, and remained composed underneath relentless strain whereas looking for playmakers who should not within the behavior of constructing many performs.
Jones’s bosses are fond of claiming he’s executed every thing they’ve requested of him, a praise that falls quite a lot of yards wanting a full endorsement. The Giants declined his $22.4 million fifth-year choice within the spring as a result of rookie common supervisor Joe Schoen and rookie head coach Brian Daboll weren’t certain what they'd within the 2019 first-rounder from Duke and noticed no must make an pointless funding within the unknown.
In response, Jones has proven that he can keep wholesome by making all 13 begins, that he can cut back his fumbles and interceptions, and that he can lead a group into playoff place with none achieved receivers to throw to. Regardless of the Giants’ current slide, Jones’s document (7-5-1), completion proportion (66.0), interception proportion (1.1), quarterback ranking (91.6), and dashing totals (548 yards, 5 touchdowns) are all profession bests.
He's ranked 14th in ESPN’s QBR, forward of the likes of Jimmy Garoppolo, Kirk Cousins, Dak Prescott, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. And although most groups and fan bases don’t need their starters ranked 14th in something, Jones has developed into a reasonably good NFL quarterback in Yr 4, with an opportunity to be good … if the Giants rent some individuals to catch the ball.
So barring an unbelievable meltdown over these closing 4 video games, beginning towards Washington on Sunday night time, Jones has earned the proper to return subsequent 12 months by the franchise tag, the transition tag, no matter. If which means he will get a minimum of barely overpaid for one season at roughly $31.5 million (franchise tag, per Overthecap.com), or at roughly $28 million (transition), earlier than group and participant both break up or decide to a long-term relationship, so be it. There are worse gamers to overpay for one 12 months than Daniel Jones, whose professionalism and work ethic are acknowledged on each stage of the group.
Bear in mind what Giants co-owner John Mara mentioned in regards to the franchise having “executed every thing doable to screw this child up since he’s been right here” with completely different head coaches, coordinators, place coaches and programs. Jones has emerged from that wreckage as a quarterback with upside. It will be a disgrace to ditch him now that Jones has competent teaching and the group has upcoming wage cap area, particularly since Mara informed The Publish final 12 months that he envisioned his quarterback as a future Tremendous Bowl winner.
“I can say that with none hesitation,” the co-owner mentioned.
Reality is, there must be some hesitation when making an attempt to image Jones lifting the Lombardi Trophy above his head. He simply hasn’t achieved sufficient but for that picture to seem naturally in any fan’s thoughts.
However what if he had Jalen Hurts’ weapons? Heck, what if he had Mike White’s weapons? Would that picture be so much clearer then?
Jones was presupposed to throw the ball this 12 months to Sterling Shepard, Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney and Wan’Dale Robinson. Accidents and/or non-performance took all of them off the board, leaving a pleasant, complementary participant, Darius Slayton, because the lead choice. Alas, the Giants don’t have a large receiver among the many league’s high 70 in whole catches.
That should change by way of free company and the draft. In the meantime, the Giants’ possible closing victory whole of eight or 9 will knock them out of place to pick out one of many elite school quarterbacks in April, which means the probably Jones replacements would come from a pool of obtainable veteran candidates.
Overlook about Brady and Rodgers, as a result of each would depart their present groups just for win-now locations. Garoppolo, coming off his foot damage, is a chance. So is Baker Mayfield, and a bunch of different guys you would possibly as properly select of a hat.
Jones would possibly by no means be a top-five quarterback, and he would possibly by no means be as opportunistic as his two-time Tremendous Bowl MVP predecessor, Eli Manning. However given his enchancment, his athleticism, and the way that athleticism would possibly turn into extra useful when a contemporary fleet of receivers open up the sector for him, Jones seems to be just like the Giants’ best choice for 2023.
“I believe he’s [done] a pleasant job actually since we received right here,” Daboll mentioned Monday. “Within the pocket, taking good care of the soccer, making the proper choices.”
Although he doesn’t encourage rave opinions, Daniel Jones does encourage confidence that he can develop right into a constant winner with the proper Giants round him. If nothing else, he’s earned the proper to maintain his job for another 12 months.
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