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The overwhelming majority may not believe in New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, but general manager Dave Gettleman and head coach Joe Judge certainly do. And they’re not going to apologize for it.
But 2021 will represent a make-or-break season for Jones whether that’s fair or not. The time for excuse-making — which he’s done none of — is over and the time for winning is now.
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The good news? Both Gettleman and Judge have sky-high expectations for Jones.
“This will be a big jump for Daniel; it’s his second year in the same scheme, and I feel we’ve done a good job of getting Daniel some help,” Gettleman told WFAN on Monday. “Obviously, this is the year that Daniel should really make a major stride. Our game is just so different, everything happens a click or two faster. But with the work he has put in on and off the field, we’re looking forward to seeing him thrive.”
One of the primary reasons the Giants have such faith in Jones is his work ethic. And his toughness. And his athletic talent. And his willingness to be coached.
“With Daniel, you don’t have to beg him to study and watch film. It’s the voluntary period so he does what he does, but one of the things that was critical in making the decision to draft him was seeing if he is naturally driven, and there’s no doubt about that,” Gettleman said.
Judge concurs.
“There is no finish line on development, but I’m pleased with the progress Daniel made last year, looking at the way he played at times last year after not having a true offseason,” Judge told WFAN. “I learned that he’s a tough dude, and when you have a tough dude standing in the huddle, you know you have 10 sets of eyes in the huddle ready to stand up for you.
“I’ll talk openly with Daniel about where he is and where he needs to go, and I’ll keep those between us. As a complete player, we’ll ask him to focus on certain areas more than others sometimes due to the game plan, but I love the way the players see him always working.”
Not only did Jones play last season in a new offensive system and without a true offseason, he also played through some “severe” injuries that would have landed most other players on injured reserve. Despite that, the film on Jones looked much cleaner than it did as a rookie when he actually put up better statistical numbers.
In Year 3, the Giants firmly believe Jones will make a Josh Allen-like leap forward.
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