*a series dedicated to profiling the players on the Giants’ roster. Know The Giant will be released daily from now until the start of the season. Up first, quarterback Daniel Jones
Basic Information
- Age: 27 years old
- College: Duke
- Experience: entering sixth year in the league
- Record as starter: 22-36-1
- Joined Giants via draft (sixth overall pick in 2019 NFL Draft)
Career Statistics
- 60 games played, starting in 59 of them
- 64.3% completion percentage
- 12,512 passing yards
- 62 touchdowns
- 40 interceptions
- 332 carries, 1,914 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns
Overview
Since his arrival in 2019, Daniel Jones has faced a lot of ups and downs. Forced to replace the aging Eli Manning, he hasn’t had much success in Big Blue.
Whether it’s his supporting cast or his own play on the field (especially true in 2023), things haven’t gone all according to plan for the former signal-caller from Duke.
But, his 2022 season was one to remember. Though the statistics won’t jump off the page, he led the Giants to a 9-6-1 record as a starter and got them back into the postseason for the first time since 2016. He threw for 3,205 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. On the ground, he was sensational, rushing for 708 yards and seven touchdowns. A dual-threat quarterback, indeed.
In the postseason, he stepped up to the challenge. Jones completed 24/35 of his passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns against the Vikings in the wild-card round. He also ran for 78 yards. All of this culminated to a win and a chance to upset the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round. Though that didn’t happen, 2022 was a year filled with excitement and optimism around Jones.
But, 2023 was a disappointment. The 40-0 loss to the Cowboys in week one felt like a stab to the chest. Jones threw for just 104 yards in the pouring rain and had two interceptions.
Despite leading the Giants to a comeback the next week against the Cardinals (26/37, 380 total yards, three touchdowns (one rushing)), that was the best game of the season for Jones. Boneheaded plays, uninspiring offensive line play, and unfortunate injuries (neck and ACL tear) ended his 2023 season early.
2024 Expectations
Since receiving that four-year, $160 million extension during the 2023 offseason, Jones has not played well. You can use the ACL injury as a valid excuse. But, scratch that Arizona game, and you have a quarterback who looked like a scared deer back there.
So, what does 2024 hold? Well, if we’re being honest, this is Jones’s last chance to prove himself for Big Blue. The front office did all they could, adding reinforcments on the offensive line in free agency (Jon Runyan and Jermaine Eluemunor) while also drafting him a dynamic WR1 (Malik Nabers). His favorite wideout Darius Slayton is back (for one more year, at least), while Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt are ready to shine.
Sure, he lost his fellow partner in Saquon Barkley in the backfield. The dynamic back made things easier for Jones in the run game, drawing all of the attention towards him while Jones found open space. But, Devin Singletary (and others) replace him now.
It’s up to Jones now to perform.
Looking as healthy as ever entering this upcoming season, Jones is ready to show the organization he still can be the franchise quarterback they drafted in 2019 and the guy who can lead them to the postseason like he did in 2022. With better weapons now, expect Jones to flirt with 4,000 yards for the first time ever, along with around 25 touchdowns or more through the air. Don’t forget about his rushing ability, which will be on display as well in 2024.
At the end of the day, this upcoming season will determine his future, whether that means playing well and remaining on the Giants and the opposite in which he will be on a new team in 2025.
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Featured Image: Ian Maule/Getty Images
