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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones had a so-so night against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Big Blue’s 26-16 loss in Week 1, with two touchdowns and two very costly interceptions. Jones was criticized for his performance, especially the interceptions.
But the facts are that Jones didn’t get a whole lot of help. Second-year quarterbacks are expected to be be better than they were in their rookie campaigns but the team is also responsible for building a better team around them.
The Giants’ revamped offensive line was putrid in their debut against Pittsburgh’s talented defensive front. Jones was given very little time to throw and when he did, he was usually rushed. Let’s not forget the dropped passes, too.
Most pressures generated within 2.5 seconds in W1:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers – 22
2. Los Angeles Chargers – 14
2. Washington Football Team – 14
4. Kansas City Chiefs – 12 pic.twitter.com/IqYWzGx8W9— PFF (@PFF) September 17, 2020
The Giants did not support Jones in the running game, either. They gained just 29 yards on the ground and 22 of them came from Jones. Saquon Barkley rushed 15 times for just six yards and Dion Lewis gained one yard on his only attempt. The offense fell on Jones’ shoulders. The Steelers knew that and he managed fairly well despite being under constant pressure.
“I like the way he played aggressive. He stood in the pocket – it was obviously a strong rush coming at him all night – he played confident in there, he stood in there as long as he could, he delivered some good, accurate passes for us,” head coach Joe Judge said of Jones. “He had two throws I know he wants back down at the goal line, that’s something we can’t have happen.
“Look, I’ll talk to Daniel a little bit more about it, I’ll watch the tape and make sure we clean up everything involved. That’s definitely something you can’t have, 19-play drive and come away with no points, especially down there in the low red. That’s not acceptable, but I’m proud of the way he played aggressive, I’m proud of the way this team stuck together.”
Daniel Jones was the highest graded player on offensive last night with an 82.1 overall, best of his career so far.
Jones was under pressure on 26 drop-backs, 6 more than any other QB in week 1.
Not a bad start to the season for the 2nd year QB. pic.twitter.com/V3Pho6pD49
— PFF NY Giants (@PFF_Giants) September 15, 2020
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