Daniel Jones sure has had his ups and downs as the New York Giants quarterback, but he did more than enough to help the team pull off the upset in Week 1. This season he is trying to prove to the new regime that he is capable of being New York’s franchise QB. Last week’s game was a great performance put together by the 25 year old, as he led the team down the field for a game-winning drive.
He made mistakes, but he overcame those mistakes. If he can just stay consistent, then he could force the Giants hand in keeping him as the long-term QB. This week’s opponent, the Carolina Panthers, are another beatable team. New York has a chance to add another win into the books, and it starts with Jones.
A few years ago, Panthers QB Baker Mayfield had some rather interesting comments on Jones. He basically implied that Jones isn’t a good QB. That is something coming from a former No. 1 overall selection not living up to the hype.
Jones has always been a stand up guy. He is very softspoken, and doesn’t generate lots of headlines. This week needs to change. The culture in the Giants fanbase and locker room is going through a change, and Jones needs to embrace it. Jones can send quite the message by outplaying Mayfield. Here’s four ways he can make Mayfield regret what he previously had to say.
4. Daniel Jones has to protect the ball
In Week 1, Jones managed to produce a solid game, limiting his mistakes and making smart decisions. He had one blur on a ball thrown in the endzone that was picked off, but other than that he did very well.
At times we see Jones get uncomfortable in the pocket, and sometimes trying to force the ball into receivers’ hands. He also has a tendency to hold the football for too long, along with fumbling issues.
If Jones wants to make Mayfield eat his words, then he can’t give the ball away to Carolina. Usually, his turnovers have factored into the losses over the years, and he can change the narrative around his game by changing his play.
Daniel Jones had 36 career fumbles in 37 career career starts.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 11, 2022
He starts Week 1 of the 2022 season with a fumble as well.pic.twitter.com/HFDwViamrI
Baker can say all he wants about the Giants QB, but at the end of the day Jones still has a chance to be the franchise QB of the team that drafted him. If he can use this as motivation and continue his strong play, then Daboll will have no choice but to stick with Jones.
When Jones is confident and comfortable, he plays very well. The run game helped him a lot in Week 1, and the same should be said for this week. This will open up a lot more passing opportunities for Jones and he needs to capitalize.