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The New York Giants were in desperate need of a win as they entered Week 4 and quarterback Daniel Jones refused to be denied.
In arguably his best game as a pro, Jones completed 28 of his 40 passes for a career-high 402 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. His throws were crisp and accurate, his in-game adjustments were on point and his clutch gene came out to play.
Inside and out, Jones has played well all season but the criticism has focused on the losing.
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Jones had cut down on his turnovers and turnover-worthy plays, improved his completion percentage and continued to demonstrate that he possesses one of the best deep balls in football. So, with nothing else to complain about, his doubters began the, “he’s needs to carry his team to victory” argument.
Well, now they’re going to have to move onto something else.
Jones thrust the Giants onto his shoulders on Sunday in New Orleans and carried them to the finish line. He was not without help, of course, but everyone in that locker-room knew who to credit when all was said and done.
“He showed them what we’ve been [seeing]. Hopefully you started seeing it too,” running back Saquon Barkley told reporters after the game. “Ever since the day he’s been drafted he’s been criticized. That guy does nothing but come in and work and get better and lead every single day. He’s a competitor. He showed today he’s a special player. . . We knew he was a special player.”
In the biggest moments, Jones shined. He completed 14 of 19 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter and overtime combined. On the game-winning drive in overtime? 5-of-5 for 67 yards, including a key third-down pass to wide receiver Kenny Golladay for 23 yards.
“He had a heck of a game,” head coach Joe Judge said of Jones.
“Man, that was a great performance by Daniel!” rookie wide receiver Kadarius Toney added. “Nobody in the locker room doubts him no matter what, whether he had a bad game or a good game. There is never no doubt there because we know at the end of the day our faith is the strongest belief we have.”
Golladay was equally impressed but not necessarily surprised.
“This is my first year with him and always say in the offseason I see the work he puts in,” Golladay said. “I see how great he wants to be. Today he went out there very competitive and he had a day.
“It’s not so much what I learned about him. It’s what I knew he was capable of doing.”
No one likes being wrong, but so many outside of the building in East Rutherford could not have been more wrong when it comes to Jones. He is a special player, as Barkley said, and if someone can’t see that this season it’s because they’re not being honest with themselves.
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