It is hard to believe that we are heading towards the start of the NFL Season, and with the schedule now out for every team, fans are now getting excited about what's to come - especially for the New York Giants in the always-competitive NFC East.
For the most part, the quarterbacks will remain the same with the exception of the Washington Commanders drafting reigning Heisman Award winner Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick. That means this division will have the likes of Daniels, Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott and of course Daniel Jones, who is coming off an injury-plagued 2023 season where he only played in six games. So, who's the top QB in the division? It's not Jones, we can tell you that much:
4. Daniel Jones
This seems harsh, but it's unfortunately a reality for the Giants and their fans. While he's had his moments during his five seasons playing in New York with most notably winning a playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, you have to put a couple of things into perspective about Jones.
First, you have to put Jones' injury history into perspective and how this could be a make-or-break season for him after the Giants signed Drew Lock and were reportedly trying to trade up in the draft to select a quarterback. From knee injuries to neck problems, ankle sprains and more, it has really become a concern, as Jones has only started in every game of the regular season once throughout his career.
The former No. 6 overall pick also still has turnover problems, as he's had 24 fumbles since 2019 and has thrown 40 interceptions since his rookie season. A lot of the turnovers have also cost the Giants a lot of games and when you fumble the football on a consistent basis, you're not expected to win any games. Jones can prove this ranking wrong this season, but until then, he is the worst quarterback in the NFC East.
3. Jayden Daniels
Daniels is entering an offense that has a lot of promise and potential to it. Washington hopes Daniels is the answer at the quarterback position, as they will be starting yet another different starting signal-caller in '24. Daniels has the skill set to be a very good quarterback, but despite not seeing him in any live NFL action yet, he is still the third-best quarterback in the NFC East. However, that could all change this season thanks to the playmakers around him.
The No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft was spectacular in his last season at LSU, as he had 40 touchdowns to four interceptions. Daniels, the Heisman winner, can definitely replicate those numbers thanks to the weapons the Commanders have brought in. From signing Pro Bowl running back Austin Ekeler and tight end Zach Ertz and still having the likes of wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahad Dotson, Daniels could have a great rookie season for the Commanders.
Daniels still has a lot to prove for the Commanders, which is why he's ranked third on this list, but for the first time in a while in Washington, a rookie quarterback could be set up for success after the Commanders have seen quarterbacks not live up to the hype. We will see what Daniels does in Year 1 in the NFL.
2. Jalen Hurts
Many people think that Hurts is the best quarterback in the NFC East, which is a fair assessment. Since he became the Eagles starter in 2021, Philly has been to the playoffs in every season he has started and has also made a Super Bowl appearance along the way. Still, Hurts at least entering this season is not the best quarterback in the NFC East.
Look, we all know, especially us Giants fans, just how great of a quarterback Hurts is and can be. He's got a great arm, he can run the ball well and is able to allude any potential sack, though he does have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. There are still questions about whether or not Hurts can rebound after the way he finished his season last year where the Eagles lost six of their last season games. Hurts also had a turnover issue in 2023 too, as he threw 15 interceptions - a career worst.
Yes, the Eagles did do a lot this offseason to improve their team by signing star running back Saquon Barkley and signing wideouts DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown to long-term extensions. Can Hurts still prove he's the best quarterback in the division and potentially return to his MVP caliber season from 2022? We'll find out soon.
1. Dak Prescott
As crazy as it sounds since the Cowboys have not been to a conference championship game since 1995 and Prescott has only won two playoff games since he became the starter, he's No. 1 on our list here. How so?
Prescott is coming off an amazing season for the Cowboys in 2023, as he had 36 touchdown passes and did a much better job taking care of the football, as he only had nine interceptions after having 15 in 12 games played the year before. Yes, Prescott and the Cowboys were embarrassed at home in the first round of the playoffs by the Green Bay Packers, but his overall numbers can't be ignored.
With CeeDee Lamb expected back for Dallas despite not attending OTA's and the return of running back Ezekiel Elliott, Prescott could be due for another great season in Dallas despite running back Tony Pollard and wide receiver Michael Gallup now no longer around. Even though Dallas has lacked success in the playoffs, Prescott's numbers, especially those he displayed this past season, make him the best quarterback in the division entering 2024. We'll see if he lives up to the hype.