One of many greatest takeaways from the New York Giants’ look on HBO’s Laborious Knocks was the way by which the crew let or not it’s identified their emotions about beginning quarterback Daniel Jones.
In practically each episode of the five-part collection, the Giants’ entrance workplace intimated they have been concerned about discovering a potential Jones successor, though he is just one season in on the $160 million extension they inked him to final March.
The motivation was pushed out of concern for Jones’ long-term well being.
Jones, 27, who’s coming off a season that noticed him endure each neck and knee accidents, may solely watch and rehab this offseason because the Giants failed of their machinations to land a rookie quarterback.
Basic supervisor Joe Schoen tried to maneuver up within the draft from No. 6 total to No. 3 to pick out a quarterback, most notably UNC’s Drake Maye. Nevertheless, he deemed the worth too excessive, which justifiably calls into query how motivated they really have been.
When the holders of that decide, the New England Patriots, wouldn’t budge, Schoen settled on getting Jones a weapon — LSU vast receiver Malik Nabers.
Nabers has proved up to now in coaching camp that he could also be higher than any participant on this yr’s draft class. The Giants’ Plan B simply could be one of the best consequence they may have hoped for. They are saying one of the best trades (or strikes) generally are those you don’t make.
Jones can be underneath middle this season barring something unexpected. He has stayed comparatively quiet (as normal) however made it identified that he didn’t admire the crew’s stance on him, however he’s staying elegant and is utilizing it to his benefit.
“I’m very motivated by this and by being pretty much as good a participant as I could be. Undoubtedly didn’t take pleasure in watching that and it was a troublesome state of affairs in a variety of methods, however that’s the truth of the NFL,” Jones stated in an interview with Tyler Dunne of GoLongTD.com. “My job is to be on the sector and play good soccer. In order that’s one thing I’ve received to know and it’s what it’s at this level. It’s about taking part in the sport and taking part in properly now.”
Co-owner John Mara instructed reporters this week that he has no regrets with the crew having to go along with Jones once more this yr.
“I’m nonetheless completely satisfied we gave him that contract as a result of I assumed he performed rather well for us in 2022,” Mara stated. “Final yr, he received harm and let’s be trustworthy, when he was taking part in, we weren’t blocking anyone. So, let’s give him an opportunity with a greater offensive line with some weapons round him to see what he can do.”
Jones can be afforded a greater offensive line this season, which isn’t saying a lot since final yr’s line, ravaged by accidents, allowed a league-high 85 sacks.
The addition of Nabers to the vast receiver group and the various working again unit that the Giants have changed Saquon Barkley with may make for a extra dynamic offense. Jones is worked up.
“I’m excited with the place we’re as a bunch,” he instructed Dunne. “I feel bringing in a pair guys offensively goes to assist us after which we received some younger guys who’re getting older — older guys who’ve been good gamers for us. So when you consider that blend, proper now, that’s what it’s about. Discovering how all of us gel collectively. The chemistry. Taking part in properly collectively and selecting one another up and elevating our stage of play.”
The Giants, Schoen, and head coach Brian Daboll gave the impression to be upset within the HBO collection after whiffing on a draft day transfer for a quarterback however have since recommitted to Jones.
“I feel we communicated with Daniel all through the method, and also you undergo the method, and we went by means of that course of not figuring out Daniel was going to be right here as we speak and full go one hundred pc,” Schoen stated on the outset of coaching camp.
“You are attempting to make choices and also you don’t have all of the solutions. We didn’t know that he was going to be wholesome as we speak, and we don’t know what it’s going to appear to be tomorrow. He’s eight months off an ACL. So that you undergo the method, and we had an intensive course of, which I feel they did a very good job of displaying. For those who’re comfy making a transfer and it made sense on the time, then that’s what we might do. No matter’s finest for the group, which we talked about a number of occasions in there.”
Mara has stated time and time once more the crew has failed Jones since drafting him sixth total in 2019. He needs Jones to pan out, identical to one other quarterback (Phil Simms) did years in the past after a tough first 5 seasons.
“I examine in with him now and again,” Mara stated of Jones. “He’s an actual skilled, he understands this enterprise and if something, I’m certain it in all probability motivates him, and he doesn’t have to be motivated. There’s no tougher employee in that constructing. I feel he dealt with it just like the skilled that he’s, and I count on him to have an important season.”
So, Jones will get yet another probability. Presumably his final one.
