It's hard to believe that we are only a few weeks away from the start of the 2023 regular season in the NFL. And for NY Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, he's looking to build off his solid 2022 season that saw him not only make the postseason and win a playoff game, but it got him a pretty hefty contract of four years and $160 million.
On paper, the Giants should not only be a playoff contender once again in 2023, but they could play even better after general manager Joe Schoen and the Giants front office did a nice job in free agency and in the draft to help get talent around Jones. With that said, here are three reasons we think Danny Dimes will live up to the hype in 2023:
3. Saquon Barkley is back for the 2023 campaign
After months of uncertainly of whether or not Giants running back Saquon Barkley would be on the field for the Giants this season, rest assured Giants fans, the Pro Bowl running back will indeed be on the field for Week 1 after signing a one-year deal to be on the Giants for at least this season. For Jones, this is a big deal.
Whenever the two former first-round picks are on the field together, Jones seems to play a whole lot better than when Barkley is absent. As a matter of fact, in the 19 games that Jones has played without Barkley, he's thrown just 16 touchdowns to 17 interceptions with a quarterback rating of 77.3 and 3,768 yards.
Jones also has a record of 8-11 without the former Nittany Lion as well. Now when the two suit up together, even though the team has gone just 13-21-1, Jones plays a lot more better statistically. He has 44 touchdowns to 17 interceptions in the35 games they've played together with a much better passer rating of 91.4.
Now, I get that the record is not impressive by any means, but when these two play together, Jones still seems to be a lot better when Barkley is in the huddle with the man he likes to call Vanilla Vick. So, as long as Barkley stays healthy this season for Big Blue, I expect big things for Jones under center.
2. The players around Daniel Jones will benefit him
The Giants offense got way better this year through free agency and in the draft. Think about this, last season the Giants had receivers like Richie James and Marcus Johnson running routes for them, and yet they somehow not only made the playoffs but won a playoff game. And with the additions they made on the offense, Jones undoubtedly should play better.
They made a huge splash in March by acquiring tight end Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders which no one saw coming and if healthy, Waller can be a scary weapon. He's also reportedly having a very nice training camp and looking like Jones' favorite weapon and has been wearing out the Giants defense too during practices. And like previously mentioned, if he remains healthy, don't be surprised if he puts up 1,000-yard seasons as he did in 2019-20.
Waller is not the only playmaker on offense who's got a chance to be dangerous, as the Giants also decided to bring back Isaiah Hodgins at receiver who shocked everyone during the regular season with his 28 receptions and 351 receiving yards with four TDs. Don't forget about his breakout game vs. the Vikings in the Wild Card Round: eight receptions, 105 yards. and a score.
Plus, the Giants drafted wide receiver Jalin Hyatt in the third round out of Tennessee who many thought was a steal. While he did have a quiet first couple of years for the Vols in 2020 and 2021, he had a major breakout season last year scoring 15 touchdowns with over 1,200 receiving yards in the process. On top of that, Parris Campbell inked a new contract and expectations are high for him. A healthy Sterling Shepard and (hopefully soon) Wan'Dale Robinson only makes things better for Jones.
1. The offensive line keeps improving
The offensive line has been a problem for Big Blue for such a long time with players like Justin Pugh and Ereck Flowers having never worked out for the Giants. But now, it looks like the Giants finally have a great o-line to work with that will help elevate Jones' game in 2023.
After many questioned the Giants drafting Andrew Thomas with the fourth overall pick in 2020, it turned out to be quite the selection as Thomas has turned out to be one of the best offensive linemen in the league. He's been so good, he was rewarded with a new contract that made him one of the highest-paid lineman in the league. Also, Evan Neal, after a bit of a struggle early on in his rookie season, played a lot better down the stretch which got Giants fans excited about what he may be able to do in his sophomore season. The Giants also seem very high on center John Michael Schmtiz who they selected in the second round. He was fantastic in the preseason loss to Detroit.
This offensive line is going to help Jones play so much better this season. As a matter of fact, the Giants did a great job in the draft in addressing all of the major needs for the team. All in all, this revamped and young offensive line for the Giants will help Jones play exceptionally well in 2023.
READ MORE: 5 NY Giants who disappointed in the preseason loss to the Lions