New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones accounted for four touchdowns on Sunday in the team’s win over the Indianapolis Colts, clinching “Big Blue’s” first playoff appearance in six years. Given the team’s turnaround this season, has Jones established himself as the team’s QB of the future?
Giants clinching their first playoff berth since 2016, when this infamous boat photo was taken. Playoffs now on deck. pic.twitter.com/yDouMyvols
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 1, 2023
The last time the Giants made the playoffs, then-wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and some of his teammates made headlines by taking a yacht trip during an off week. The Giants were stomped by the Green Bay Packers in the wild card round the following week.
In the years since the team has finished under .500 until this season.
Jones has been adequate at QB this season. He’s 21st in DYAR, 20th in DVOA, and 11th in QBR. He’s thrown 13 touchdowns against only five interceptions. He’s a far cry from the upper echelon at his position.
DANIEL &$%8#!* JONES
đź“ş: CBS pic.twitter.com/5TKIDur3as
— New York Giants (@Giants) January 1, 2023
Giants Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley is a believer in Jones.
“I told him I loved him, man. Every single day he comes in to work. And it’s about time he starts getting some damn respect, for real.”
#Giants RB Saquon Barkley on Daniel Jones: “I told him I loved him, man. Every single day he comes in to work. And it’s about time he starts getting some damn respect, for real.” #TogetherBlue
— Giants Today (@NYGToday) January 1, 2023
Jones has found some consistency the last few games, he’s helmed long drives and his decision making has improved. He’s starting to understand when to run and when to go through his progressions and throw.
His overall pocket presence is improving. He is keeping his eyes downfield and feeling the pressure and beginning to move inside the pocket.
.@Daniel_Jones10's pocket movement đź‘€ @Giants on the board
đź“ş: #NYGvsMIN on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/AJ2krgfBrW pic.twitter.com/A1K39lxrSr— NFL (@NFL) December 24, 2022
Jones has one good offensive lineman in starting left tackle Andrew Thomas. The rest of the line is average to below average. Barkley is an excellent back, but the passing weapons are limited. His play throughout his first four years isn’t entirely his fault, though he has been poor in spots.
This year the Giants have asked Jones to protect the ball and not put the defense in bad situations. He has done that, and now the team is headed for the playoffs.
“I think I’ve gotten a better idea of what does win in the NFL,” Jones said last month. “A lot of times, it’s not what you would think. I think it has a lot to do with taking care of the ball, staying in good situations for the offense, executing on critical downs and scoring in the red zone.”
Going forward though, if the Giants want to be a consistent playoff team and ultimately a title contender, they will need a lot more from the QB position.
They’ll need a player who can elevate the play of the wide receivers, make aggressive plays downfield in both the passing and running game. Nobody is saying he needs to be Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. But can he be as good as Geno Smith?
General manager Joe Schoen won’t have the advantage of a high draft pick in 2023 but will have nine picks to bolster the roster. Maybe they draft a developmental QB and look to improve around Jones.
Either way, Jones is the quarterback now and for the foreseeable future.
