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The New York Giants and their fans are expecting third-year quarterback Daniel Jones to come into his own this season and lead the team back to prominence.
They are not alone. Many experts, citing the additions added to the team’s offense this offseason, also believe that Jones is poised to break out in 2021.
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Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports recently listed Jones as a candidate to take a ‘John Allen-type leap’ this season, writing ‘don’t be shocked’ to see Jones ascend into stardom.
Giants GM Dave Gettleman was a man on a mission this offseason, a mission to prove to doubters Jones was indeed worthy of the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 draft. Kenny Golladay and Kyle Rudolph were signed. Explosive gadget weapon Kadarius Toney was grabbed in Round 1. The defense was bolstered via the draft and by way of Adoree’ Jackson being added to the secondary.
Jones dropped a dime on 51% of his throws made 20-plus yards down the field in 2020, nearly 10 percentage points higher than league average. And Golladay is one of the league’s premier contested-catch targets. Despite 4.50 speed, he begins his career with the Giants with a large 16.9 career yards-per-grab average.
Darius Slayton enters Year 3 having established a fine rapport with Jones, particularly down the field. Sterling Shepard is a reliable possession out of the slot. And Saquon Barkley is back.
All valid points. The only thing(s) that can hold Jones back is if the offensive line project fails and he can’t overcome his propensity to turn the football over.
The Giants did nothing to augment their struggling line this offseason because they are confident that Nick Gates will settle in at center, guard Will Hernandez will bounce back and their three rookies from last year (Andrew Thomas, Matt Peart and Shane Lemieux) will be vastly improved in their second pro seasons. They will also be getting veteran tackle Nate Solder (opt out) back this season.
Management is certain the team is finally headed in the right direction and that Jones will be at the forefront of the Big Blue revival.
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