New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones finds himself at a critical juncture in his career, following a season filled with both hope and setbacks. The 2022 season demonstrated his potential, setting the stage for a substantial four-year, $160 million contract, with $81 million guaranteed, signed during the offseason.
However, the 2023 season was far from ideal for Jones. An ACL tear prematurely ended his campaign, casting shadows over his future prospects. This injury added to a tough season marked by an underperforming offensive line, which finished last in Pro Football Focus' pass-blocking grades. The New York Giants also ranked 24th in ESPN's pass-block win rate, a clear indicator of the struggles up front.
A Season of Struggles
When it comes to Jones' performance under duress, the statistics paint a grim picture. Averaging just 6.6 yards per attempt, Jones threw only two touchdowns against three interceptions when not under pressure in 2023. This stands in stark contrast to his 2022 performance, where he averaged 7.1 yards per attempt, throwing 11 touchdowns and four interceptions from a clean pocket.
Despite these challenges, the Giants' front office remains optimistic about Jones' future. Giants' co-owner John Mara expressed his continued faith in the quarterback, stating, "Listen, I'm still happy we gave him that contract because I felt he played really well for us in '22."
Support from the Top
Jones’ setbacks in 2023 are not lost on the Giants' management. Mara candidly acknowledged the issues surrounding Jones' performance, attributing a significant part of the blame to the offensive line. "Last year he got hurt and, let's be honest, when he was playing, we weren't blocking anybody. So let's give him a chance with a better offensive line and some weapons around him and see what he can do," Mara remarked.
This offseason, the Giants took steps to support Jones by selecting LSU star Malik Nabers in the draft. This decision underscores the franchise's commitment to surrounding Jones with the necessary talent to succeed. Mara highlighted this strategic move, emphasizing, "We made a decision to stay with Daniel and add a weapon for him, and I think that is going to work out for us."
Moving Forward with Optimism
The decision not to trade up in the draft for a new quarterback signals the Giants' dedication to Jones. This commitment is built on the belief that with improved protection and additional offensive weapons, Jones has the potential to thrive.
The 2024 season will likely serve as a pivotal moment for both Jones and the Giants. With the potential health and performance of Jones, alongside the added support from draft acquisitions, the franchise appears poised to give their quarterback every chance to succeed. Only time will reveal if these strategic moves and the faith placed in Jones will pay off.