In sports, everyone is always looking for that next great thing. In the NFL, Daniel Jones has the looks, the arm strength and work ethic to become the NFL’s next elite quarterback. And it does not hurt that he shredded the New Orleans Saints defense for 402 passing yards in a 27-21 overtime win. No question, Jones has a future in today’s NFL.
It was the type of performance the Giants organization has been patiently waiting for since Jones’ promising rookie season. After the countless film sessions, whiteboard talks and practices, Jones showed the talent to pick apart a quality defense. Finally, the preparation was matched by the execution on the field.
Daniel Jones Helps Giants Spoiled Saints Homecoming
The match was supposed to be a homecoming for the Saints. They were playing at the Superdome for the first time since Hurricane Ida came onshore on August 29th. The G-Men were facing an uphill climb in hostile territory. Coming into the game, the Saints allowed the sixth-fewest total offensive yards in the NFL.
If they were going to record their first win of the season, the Giants would have to erase an 11-point deficit in the game’s final stanza. By the time the festivities were over in New Orleans, Jones gained 429 total yards and threw two touchdown passes over 50 yards on the day.
The victory was not the most important win in Giants history. But it was a much-needed win for a team desperately searching for their identity on the football field. No question, there was a high sense of urgency on the Giants sidelines. If they did not win in New Orleans, the chances were high that the G-Men would have gone winless until Thanksgiving.
The Evolution of Daniel Jones
This past weekend’s performance was the same type of playmaking skills exhibited by Jones in his rookie season. In 2019, he threw for 3,027 passing yards and 24 touchdown passes.
However, Jones’ sophomore campaign was quite different. It could be best described as “the good, the bad and the ugly” of NFL quarterbacking. The statistical numbers were pedestrian as Jones threw for 2,943 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes in a very disappointing season.
Opposing defenses were able to exploit Jones’ (29 fumbles and 22 interceptions) proficiency to turn the football over. Often, the results made Giants fans cover their eyes. Jones was not living up to the hype.
The biggest question heading into his third season was if Jones could develop into a more consistent quarterback. A performance of this level makes everyone believe that he has the skill level to play in the NFL. Some may disagree with this assessment, but his ability to make plays has evolved.
This season, he is calm in the face of an intense pass rush. Before, Jones was clueless about what was going on around him. Often, staying in the pocket too long, which resulted in a turnover for the opposing team.
Turnovers are Down, Completions are Up
Thus far, Jones has made a concerted effort to keep his turnovers (3 fumbles and one interception) to a minimum. The third-year quarterback is becoming more aware of whether or not he has an opportunity to make a play downfield. Instead of forcing a pass in a tight space, Jones is throwing the football out of bounce to live another down.
Jones’ succeass is all about what he is seeing and feeling from the opposing defense. He has a better feel of a defender closing in on him in the pocket. When chaos erupts, he stands tall and delivers a tight spiral to his receivers. Now, his arm has become an asset for the Giants offense.
If he is protecting the football, then Jones becomes a problem for the opposition. Every team recognizes that he can make plays with his legs. But Jones has learned to move the pocket and anticipate where his receivers are breaking off their routes. Often, he may have to alter his throwing mechanics, but the results are a completion to extend a drive.
Jones is a unique football player. He is fast and athletic who is impossible to bring down if the defense lets him run. Now, Jones has the confidence to make plays when the Giants need it the most. Jones’ pocket instincts are finally matching his talents, especially when the protection is collapsing around him.
Suddenly, the future is bright for Jones.
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