New York Giants head coach Joe Judge has been especially complimentary of quarterback Daniel Jones in recent weeks, which is a far cry from his earlier days with the team when he refused to utter a single players’ name.
Judge has praised Jones as a developing leader who takes charge during the team’s virtual meetings, which is an art his predecessor, Eli Manning, mastered.
Now entering his second year, Jones recognizes that he’s being looked to as a leader and openly embraces that role, but stresses the team aspect of football — much to the delight of his first-year head coach.
“I certainly feel the responsibility of being a leader. It’s something I take seriously. But it’s our team. I don’t know if it’s one guy’s team,” Jones said during a Wednesday Zoom conference call with reporters.
As part of assuming a team-forward leadership role, Jones dismissed any concerns about Judge refusing to utters his name while also embracing the challenge of earning a starting job.
“I think Coach Judge has a policy on [using player names before full evaluations]. He’s got a way he’s going to approach those situations,” Jones said. “I respect that. I respect his emphasis on everyone earning their roles. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
As part of Jones’ approach to earning a starting role, he’s put an added emphasis on reducing turnovers, which he feels will come easy to him.
Daniel Jones on his focus going into year two: "the biggest thing is ball security, particularly in the pocket, protecting the ball… that's a fundamental skill at the QB position… to me, it's a fairly simple fix, a mindfulness… being more intentional with it"
— Madelyn Burke (@MadelynBurke) May 13, 2020
As part of his development, Jones has remained in contact with Manning, who he admits it was “awkward” working with at times last season, and has also reached out to retired quarterback Tony Romo for insight into Jason Garrett’s offense.
“I appreciate everything [Eli[ did for me [last] year. It was a huge advantage for me to be able to learn from him and talk to him, Jones said. “It was probably a little awkward at times, [but we did] a good job working together,” Jones said.
Daniel Jones said he has spoken to Tony Romo a little bit about working in Jason Garrett's offense. #Giants #NFL #Cowboys
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) May 13, 2020
For now, Jones remains in North Carolina working out with family and friends, but is anxious to return to East Rutherford whenever the NFL gives the green light.
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