There have been many criticisms about New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones over the years, one being his accuracy. He has been up and down in that category during his five-year career and it goes a lot deeper than him not being able to hit receivers in stride.
In 2022, Jones was very accurate and rated seventh overall by Pro Football Focus, only to fall flat in his injury-laden six-game 2023 showing.
Let’s face it, the Giants came out of the gate in 2023 with a lifeless 40-0 beating at home by the Dallas Cowboys and things never got better for Jones or the team. He was 1-5 in his six starts and suffered two major injuries, basically because the line in front of him was practically nonexistent in pass protection.
The Giants allowed 85 sacks — the most by a team in the NFL since 1986. Jones was only around for 30 of those sacks but they took a toll, first on his troubled neck and then on his ACL, which ended his season in Week 9.
This year, he’s back, healthy, has a more experienced line in front of him, and new weapons to throw to. Jones is gradually ramping things up at training camp but there have been some ugly days. Tuesday was not one of them, however, writes Peter Botte of the New York Post.
Daniel Jones had an accurate day during 11-on-11 drills, with only three passes falling incomplete.
One was batted down by Dexter Lawrence and another was dropped by Jalin Hyatt. Jones also connected on a deep crossing route to Darius Slayton.
The Giants are being patient. There is the issue of the ACL and the subsequent rehab plus a lot of new, moving parts to the offense (as well as several new position coaches).
“He’s made strides every day,” said head coach Brian Daboll. “Again, it’s some new guys that we’re throwing to. . . It’s been a steady improvement from when we started when he had his first go through in team and had people around his legs. There’s new things, new pieces, new tight ends, new receiver. So, that’s always a work in progress.
“At least that I’ve been part of, in training camp, when you’re dealing with new pieces and things like that. Him coming back from the injury, I think he’s done a fantastic job. He’s continuing to grow and he’s done well here these last couple weeks.”
Jones is not worried about the small setbacks or the minor wins. He is working hard and concentrating on the big picture. He believes when he is healthy, he is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Jones’ teammates believe that, too. They are all in his corner.
“For me personally, he’s a dog,” said running back Devin Singletary of Jones. “He comes to work every day. Definitely a playmaker. I feel like we’re going to have a lot of fun this year with him.
“Just the way he attacks every day. In practice, on the field, how he goes about his business. You know a dog when you see a dog.”
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