New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones admitted that it was “awkward” playing alongside Eli Manning last year with the knowledge that he would eventually replace the two-time Super Bowl MVP.
As a result of that, Jones wasn’t afforded the opportunity to take over leadership of the team. However, that path is now completely clear for the second-year gunslinger.
And retired Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, who played for years with Manning, anticipates Jones will take those next steps here in 2020.
“Just continuing to build on the leadership qualities he already has,” Cruz said during an appearance on NFL Network when asked what comes next for Jones. “I think obviously, coming in on another year without Eli Manning being there, he can actually feel like the leader, be himself and start to bring these guys under his leadership. I think that’s the biggest thing he has to fulfill this year.
“Yes, the stuff on the field will kind of take care of itself. He’ll make the plays, he’ll make the decisions that he needs to make, I think, in order to be successful… Daniel Jones, this will be the year where he starts to build his own leadership with his guys.”
Manning himself had previously shared similar sentiments.
“I think it will be easier this year for him to kind of step up as that leader,” Manning said in May. “Last year was probably awkward for him, me being there, me being in meeting rooms and just kind of the whole dynamic. Me being gone and, hey, he is the quarterback, he is the guy, for him to have that control and the authority over receivers and offensive line.”
Head coach Joe Judge has also praised Jones for his leadership during virtual offseason meetings, while the QB also followed in Manning’s footsteps by organizing several private workouts for he and his teammates.
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