New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has been identified as one of the NFL’s potential breakout stars for the 2020 season.
In a listicle published by Bleacher Report, author Kristopher Knox provided one ‘breakout’ player for each of the 32 NFL teams. For the Giants, he chose Jones.
“Jones showed some promise as a rookie, flashing plenty of arm talent and athleticism,” writes Knox. “However, he also struggled with pocket awareness and ball security. He coughed up the ball 18 times in 13 games, losing 11 of those fumbles….Another offseason should help Jones shake some of his bad habits, and the hiring of offensive coordinator Jason Garrett could benefit him as well. While Garrett took plenty of criticism for his handling of the Cowboys offense in recent years, he also helped develop both Tony Romo and Dak Prescott into high-level NFL starters.”
Agree. The Giants’ offense underachieved most of the 2019 season for many reasons. Injuries to running back Saquon Barkley, wide receiver Sterling Shepard and tight ends Evan Engram and Rhett Ellison put a crimp in their sails, as did the early-season suspension to veteran free agent wideout Golden Tate.
Let’s not underplay the inconsistent play of the offensive line and the play calling at times by Pat Shurmur. The Giants should be better in both areas under new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and ascending offensive line coach Marc Columbo.
But much of this will fall on Jones’ shoulders. We’ve seen him play at much more mature level than his 22 years and that is why there is so much optimism around the Giants. A solid franchise QB gives the team a fighting chance and Jones is on his way to being that player.
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