The development of Daniel Jones

Speaking of development, no discussion about Shurmur would be considered fair and balanced without taking into consideration the play and progression of rookie quarterback Daniel Jones.

Ignore for a moment the fact that Shurmur and Gettleman were completely dismantled for their decision to draft Jones — which is also an argument in their favor — and focus instead on what the Giants have in their young franchise quarterback.

While some of DJ’s growth can be attributed to Eli Manning and Alex Tanney, there is no denying that Shurmur, himself, is a bit of a quarterback whisperer. And from moment one, he’s been in DJ’s ear helping him to learn as much as he possibly can on the fly.

The results? Jones is having one of the best rookie seasons in franchise history. Even on an all-time NFL level, it’s up there. He’s breaking records and setting marks left and right, and recently became the only rookie in NFL history to throw for 350-plus yards and five-plus touchdowns with no turnovers in a game.

Jones is also just four touchdown passes away from tying the NFL’s all-time mark for rookie quarterbacks (Baker Mayfield), and if you think that’s too much of a hump to overcome, just know that Shurmur’s QB has already done that three times this season — also an NFL record.

You don’t trip and fall into that kind of success, so not only does Jones deserve far more credit than he’s received to date, so does Shurmur.