New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones continues to sound like a broken record this offseason, but that’s actually music to the ears or the organization and their fans.
From moment one, Jones has emphasized improved ball security after tossing 12 interceptions and losing 11 fumbles as a rookie in 2019.
During a SiriusXM NFL Radio interview on Monday night, Jones went back to the well again and acknowledged that reducing turnovers remains his No. 1 priority.
“One of the things I’ve tried to focus on this offseason is my ball security and [holding onto the ball] in the pocket,” Jones said. “Being more mindful of that and more intentional on how you hold the ball and how you secure the ball.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Jones has been unable to return to the Duke University campus, but he’s gotten his work in elsewhere.
Jones has been working side-by-side with former Duke quarterback and current QB Country trainer Anthony Boone ins Charlotte.
“Ball security is a focus for a lot of guys, but for him, that was the first thing he said,” Boone told The Athletic. “Early on, I think I sneaked in and poked one or two out. But now everything he does, you can just tell when it’s in his hands, he’s like, ‘Listen, this thing is secure.’ You can see in his face and the way he’s gripping, you can see his forearms poking. He’s like, ‘This ball is mine. Nobody’s getting this thing out of my hands.’ He’s definitely gotten a lot better at it.”
Because North Carolina has left their parks open for physical activity, limiting to groups to fewer than 10, Jones has also been able to get some throwing in with several wide receivers — Sam Mobley, who played in both the XFL and AAF, Yale senior Melvin Rouse and New Orleans Saints wideout Maurice Harris.
“I know he was beating himself up more than anybody else because I see the way he is out here where it’s very controlled, the weather is 75-80 (degrees), we’re in t-shirts and shorts, there’s no cameras – it’s just us. There’s no pressure of having to perform, we’re just trying to get better and I see how he is,” Boone said. “I’m like, ‘That’s a good ball,’ and he’s like, ‘Man, I just want that a little bit more outside. Let me do it again.’ All the receivers are like, ‘Damn man, he wants to perfect everything.’ Everything has to be perfect and that drive to never settle, that’s just how he’s always been. That perfectionist mindset is what he has, which is why he had the success he had, minus the little mistakes. Anything Dan did bad last year, I guarantee he’s going to cut it in half if not cut it out completely.”
As we said… Music to the ears of the Giants and their fans.
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