After 16 career starts in the NFL, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has shown many things. He’s shown the ability to make plays with his arm and legs. Last season, Jones threw for 3027 yards and 24 touchdowns. Additionally, Jones ran for 279 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
However, the downside for Jones has been the turnovers, especially the fumbles. Jones fumbled the ball a league-high 18 times last season, and after four games, Jones has three fumbles. The second-year quarterback has only two touchdowns passes and five interceptions at this point of the season, and more importantly, the Giants are 0-4.
On Wednesday, Jones, who is 3-13 as a starter, discussed his progression after 16 games.
“I’ve learned a lot of football and feel like I’ve improved as a player as far as my understanding of the game, my understanding of situational football, and when you want to take advantage of certain opportunities when to get the ball out of my hand,” Jones said. “It’s something I’m continuing to work on and improve. But I certainly feel like I’ve improved and made a lot of progress up to this point.”
At age 23, Jones is still young, but according to the former sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, he still has to play well no matter his age or experience.
“I realize this is my second year, and I do have a lot to learn. I’m always learning and improving. But I don’t think you use that ever as an excuse. I’m expected to play well, understand what we’re trying to do, and execute it,” Jones said. “I’m certainly learning, always learning, and trying to improve. But you can’t see it as an excuse, and I certainly don’t.”
Unlike Dwayne Haskins, who went nine picks after Jones in the 2019 NFL Draft and was benched by Washington on Wednesday, New York seems committed to Jones as their quarterback. But, if this season goes really bad, and the Giants have an opportunity at Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, maybe things change.
At this point, Jones and the Giants have to focus on getting a win, and that chance will come on the road against the Cowboys on Sunday. While the season has been bad to this point, the Giants could still win the NFC East. In fact, a win against Dallas, coupled with an Eagles’ loss, puts the Giants 1/2 game behind Philadelphia. So, with that in mind, New York can still turn their season around.
