Danny Dimes: The Real Deal
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“With the sixth pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select, Daniel Jones, quarterback, Duke.” As a die-hard Giants fan, I was in shock, surely the Giants could have picked him later or even got a better prospect at that sixth spot. Fast forward four years later, and I love what I see. Sure, Daniel Jones’ career has been filled with up and downs until this year, it was argued if Jones would ever be able to play up to the NFL standard. But here he is, proving doubters wrong and impressing just about every analyst who had talked down on him just three years ago.
His improvement in turnovers has been a catalyst in Jones’ improvement as he was a turnover machine in his first two years. He had 31 turnovers from the 2019 and 2020 seasons (22 interceptions and 9 fumbles) while only having 16 the past two years. He was able to strengthen weak points in his game and it is obvious that he has put in work in the offseason and during practice.
This year, he had 3,205 yards, 15 passing touchdowns with five interceptions, and a 60.8 Quarterback Rating (QBR). The numbers are not flashy but they did get the job done. His ability to move around in the pocket and create plays with his feet became his calling card and it made a huge difference when the Giants needed him most. He had 708 yards on the ground, racking up seven touchdowns with his legs. In the Giants’ wildcard matchup with the Vikings, Jones found a way time and time again to make plays out of nothing. He truly elevated a Giants offense that is very limited in terms of talent. He does not have a true WR1 and he might not have a true WR2. That being said, he has been consistent in not turning the ball over and is making enough plays to put the Giants in a position to win just about every game. Daniel also became the first QB in NFL history to have 3,000-plus passing yards, 700-plus rushing yards, and a completion percentage above 65% in a single season. While he may not appear on the highlight reel, there is no doubting his talent and production.
While Jones is doing work on the field, there is some credit to be shared with his coaches. Brian Daboll (head coach) and Mike Kafka (offensive coordinator) have put Jones in positions to succeed and optimized his playing style by crafting a game plan that relies on his strengths. For the first time in a long time, Giants fans can rejoice and enjoy the success that Daniel Jones and the rest of the squad are producing. Daniel may have found himself a forever home in New York City.