NY Giants Grades: wobbly Daniel Jones struggles, defense unable to hold up

QB Daniel Jones

Grade: D

Was this loss all Daniel Jones’ fault? No. But he was a big reason.

His streak of games without a turnover ends at a career-long of just three. He fumbled three times against Arizona, losing the ball once. That brings his total fumbles up to 10 times this season, with six turnovers. Of the twelve games he’s played in this season, he’s turned the ball over in nine of them.

He was also sacked eight times this week, losing more than 50 collective yards. He only completed 11 of 21 pass attempts — his lowest of the season. And he only threw for 127 yards.

Yes, the line was awful this game. But Daniel Jones looked rusty, slow, and uncertain each time he dropped back in the pocket.

If the intent of Jason Garrett was to call a game where Jones could make quick passes for short yards to build up some confidence, it did not remotely work. Jones averaged just six yards per pass, and that’s including the one 39-yard bomb to Golden Tate. Only Sterling Shepard joined Tate for a pass longer than 20 yards.

Understandably, Jones did not even attempt a rush. But his arm is not what makes him dangerous on the field — his legs do. Without that threat, the defense knew as long as they covered their assignments, Jones would likely make a mistake as pressure got to him.

And he did, over and over again. The Giants longest drive was seven plays, 75 yards, but only took three minutes off the clock. Their only other drive that reached at least three minutes was their longest, holding the ball for only 3.16 in the waning minutes of the first quarter.

Turnovers and the inability to sustain a drive meant the defense was tiring itself out, being on the field for the majority of the game. And Jones’ inability to feel pressure or hold onto the ball is how many of those drives end.