Last September, rookie Daniel Jones was handed the unenviable task of replacing Eli Manning as the New York Giants’ starting quarterback. That meant the expectations were a) to lead the franchise to championships and b) play every Sunday no matter what the circumstances.
In his second year, it is not reasonable to expect Jones to be flashing a Super Bowl ring but the other part — getting under center every game — is much more achievable.
Thus far, Jones has not been able to fulfill that. Last year, he suffered a high ankle sprain in December and missed two games. This year, Jones strained a hamstring and missed last week’s game in Seattle. He is back practicing this week but his status remains cloudy for Sunday’s matchup with Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium.
“I’m feeling good. I’m feeling better. Just trying to get this thing healed up and hopefully back out there,” Jones told reporters on Wednesday. “I think it’s a daily process. I’m working every day to get better and to heal it up so I can get back out there. I’m not sure a percentage. Just working every day to improve.”
The Giants will not have Jones at 100 percent it seems even if he does play. His legs are a huge part of his repertoire and if he can’t run…
In order for Jones to take back his job from backup Colt McCoy this week, he’ll have to show the coaches he can do more than McCoy.
“I’ve been able to do some drills and some movement drills with the trainers,” said Jones. “Like I said, kind of following their program and what they’ve outlined for me. I’ll continue to work through that. I think coach is talking about being able to move in the game in situations you can’t predict. When you are getting pressure and have to make sudden movements. Whether that’s getting up field or moving to get the ball out and situations like that. Like I said, I will continue to follow the trainers’ program and keep working with them on that.”
With the game still several days away, it’s possible Jones gets the call, but the Giants may opt to sit him one more week. They have shown that they can win without him, leaning on the running game and the defense, and if they are to make a playoff run it could be the wisest course of action. Jones would naturally prefer to play.
“It’s tough not playing. It’s tough missing time,” he said, “I’ve got to focus on healing up. I’ve got to focus on what I can do. Right now, that’s working every day to get back out there. Continue to study like I’m playing, like I did last week. That’s what I’ve got to focus on. It’s tough not playing. I think anyone would agree with me there. I think you want to be out there, you want to be out there with your teammates.”
The Giants are on a four-game winning streak and Jones certainly wants to be a part of it going forward. Last year, the Giants were team that found ways to lose. That carried over into he first half of this season. He was asked what has changed.
“Throughout the year, we’ve grown together. Been able to learn each other and get on the same page,” he said. “Improve week to week. I think that’s the strength of this year’s team. Not necessarily comparing it to last year. I think last year we certainly improved and worked hard through the year as well. I think we’ve done a lot of good things towards the end of the season as far as understanding how to play with each other and working to improve as a unit, both offensively, defensively and the kicking game. Kind of across the board, I think our improvement week to week has been a big factor in our recent success.”
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