New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones endured a rough second NFL season marred by inconsistent play from the signal-caller and those tasked with protecting him along with injuries. Running back Saquon Barkley went down to a torn ACL before the campaign's second game ended, and Jones dealt with a right hamstring issue and a sprained ankle for much of the season's second half.
Despite legitimate questions about if Jones can be a true successor to two-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Eli Manning, head coach Joe Judge and general manager Dave Gettleman both backed the 23-year-old when speaking with reporters on Tuesday.
As the quarterback carousel flies around the #NFL, Joe Judge says the #Giants are committed to Daniel Jones! “We have confidence in Daniel. We saw a lot of improvement. Nothing has changed in our feelings on Daniel!” pic.twitter.com/Uxv4tzqsmC
— Bruce Beck (@BruceBeck4NY) March 9, 2021
General Manager, Dave Gettleman on Daniel Jones: “We really believe he’s the guy. We’ve got a conviction on him. He’s got all the physical skills. How many of us after two years are great at our job? We believe in Daniel.” @Giants #Giants pic.twitter.com/DOboQWUUqY
— Bruce Beck (@BruceBeck4NY) March 9, 2021
This should come as no surprise to those who have followed the situation since shortly after this past season concluded. Respected mock drafts haven't linked the Giants with any to-be rookie quarterbacks, and Big Blue reportedly isn't willing to part ways with the necessary assets to acquire a proven commodity such as Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans or unsettled Seattle Seahawks starter Russell Wilson.
Per ESPN stats, Jones finished the 2020 season 30th in the NFL with an 80.4 passer rating and 20th with a total QBR of 61.5. Jones failing to improve those numbers could ultimately lead the Giants to decline the fifth-year option attached to his rookie contract.
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