New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has experienced an up-and-down 2021 regular season to date. How much of that falls on his shoulders and how much of the blame should be placed elsewhere is up for debate.
The ultimate reality? Jones’ production has dipped in recent weeks despite the team playing better, and injuries aren’t an excuse anyone wants to hear about. Ditto the terrible play-calling, although that is widely recognized as an issue.
“I think that was important for us to be able to run the ball like we did and kind of control the line of scrimmage. I think the guys up front did a great job with that,” Jones told reporters on Tuesday. “I think overall we’ve played games differently based on the opponent, based on kind of what the opportunity is. I think that’s encouraging that we can do different things as a group. We have a lot of guys who can make plays, so continue to work on that, continue to work through the stuff we need to correct.”
While the team has made strides in a variety of ways, the Giants still need to put up more points. That begins and ends with Jones, who would like to play more consistent football over the final nine weeks of the season.
“Overall, I think a lot of the things I wanted to do better, I think I’ve done some of them and that’s been encouraging. I think at times I can be better protecting the ball and getting it out quicker and I think those are things I’m always focused on, so just being more consistent with that and continuing to work to improve,” Jones said.
The challenge for Jones is finding that consistency is an inconsistent offense — one in which he has limited input.
“I think I’m a player in my third year versus coaches who have been around the game a lot longer than me and seen a lot. I feel like there are times I can give my input and kind of what I think. It’s always a conversation and we’re always talking about it. Most of the game plan comes from the coaches and what they see, and I think they’ve done a great job of it,” Jones added.
It’s also difficult to find consistency with inconsistent personnel. Every single offensive player has been injured at some point this season with most missing time. That has killed any sort of rapport but again, no one wants to hear that anymore.
It’s time for Jones to take the bad lemons and make some delicious lemonade.
“I think (getting guys back healthy) a big part of it, certainly. We’ve dealt with a number of injuries and this gives a us a chance for guys to work to get back. You never know what’s going to happen, but I know guys are working hard like we’ve said to get back, so you’ve got take advantage of the time,” Jones said.
The Giants expect a relatively healthy roster when they return from their bye against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. From there, it’s all on Jones to figure things out.
[lawrence-related id=679652,679675,679669]
[pickup_prop id=”13858″]