Joe Schoen handed Daniel Jones a four-year, $160 million contract extension in March, and the reaction was overwhelmingly negative. After watching Jones play football this summer, many have changed their minds. Jones dominated the Giants defense all summer, the Lions defense in joint practices, and cooked the Panthers in the preseason (eight for nine, 69 yards, and a touchdown).
Among those to jump on the 2023 Danny Dimes bus include former 12-year NFL quarterback and current ESPN Analyst Dan Orlovsky.
"I think Daniel Jones could throw 32 TDs this year if Darren Waller stays healthy..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 8, 2023
Their offensive line is gonna be a lot better and I think the Giants are coached as good as anybody" ~ @danorlovsky7 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/U09yi64AKv
"I think Daniel Jones could have a 32-touchdown, eight-interception season if Darren Waller stays healthy. The offensive line is going to be a lot better. I think they are coached as well as anybody, and I think Daniel Jones gets into the conversation of Top 10 quarterback."Dan Orlovsky
Orlovsky's position would make the Giants an NFC Contender
Yup, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions would be the best season in Jones's career, and it would firmly entrench him within the Top 10 of NFL quarterbacks. After being stuck with a horrendous group of weapons the last few seasons, including Richie James and Kadarius Toney, who made Patrick Mahomes life miserable Thursday night, the cupboard is now stocked.
Jones will now distribute the ball to Waller, Saquon Barkley, Parris Campbell Jr., Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, and a healthy Sterling Shepard, making Jones' life easier. With these weapons, Jones can easily top 30 touchdowns, putting Big Blue on the short list of NFC contenders, and in the discussion for a Top 10 NFL offense.
The most significant caveat of Orlovsky's take: is the health of Waller. Jones' favorite target all summer has been Waller, and we saw him target the tight end four times during the one series they played together this summer. Waller has played in just 20 of 37 games over the last two seasons and is listed as questionable for the opener Sunday Night due to a hamstring injury.
READ MORE: Darren Waller landing on the NY Giants injury report is a concern