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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has struggled a bit this season, especially when it comes to turning the ball over. It was an issue that plagued him as a rookie and one that now persists as a sophomore.
But those are issues that will be ironed out, says Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, who admits he’s a believer in Danny Dimes and has been since the moment he saw the 23-year-old torch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019.
“I remember the first real exposure I had to Daniel was when we crossed over when [the Giants] beat the Bucs last year when we were getting ready for them in Week 4,” McVay said during a Wednesday conference call. “Man, did he play really well. I was so impressed with his poise, his ability to make plays down the stretch. His ability to extend plays, the athleticism.
“You see it with a couple of zone reads that he had [in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers]. I’ve also been impressed with his ability to just show the athleticism by keeping plays alive in the pocket, out of the pocket. Coach [Jason] Garrett always does a nice job of being able to accentuate guys skill sets – I think this a part of the league as a quarterback. But Daniel has a really bright future and I’ve seen enough film of him to feel pretty strongly about that.”
Although some across the league may be down on Jones, McVay will not let his defense sleep on the young quarterback. In fact, McVay views Jones as a very difficult challenge — one of several they’ve dealt with to start the 2020 season.
“It presents a lot of challenges depending on him extending plays in the pocket, are they changing the launch point? Is he a threat as a runner when he runs some of the zone read? When he breaks contain is he a eyes down the field guy with people working off schedule?” McVay questioned aloud. “I think when you look at really our first four weeks, all four weeks have reflected athletic quarterbacks that can create with their legs and their arm. When you look at Dak, Carson, Josh Allen and now Daniel.
“Unfortunately, we’re looking to just catch a breather at some point and not have to deal with all this, but it definitely is a problem for defenses and just how much you have to cover longer. It just extends the snaps and that’s where it gets really difficult.”
Jones has been rattled by consistent pressure so far this season, but in each of the previous two weeks, has been able to make some plays with his legs, which is something the Giants may consider leaning on.
With the offensive line struggling and no ground game to speak of, Jason Garrett & Co. may feel the need to let Jones loose, and that gives McVay nightmares.
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