New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones did not exactly post pretty numbers in 2020, throwing for just 2,943 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions over 14 games.
However, for those who could look beyond the team’s losing, there were plenty of reasons for optimism. Despite facing consistent pressure and getting little help from his wide receivers and tight ends, Jones boosted his completion percentage (61.9% to 62.5%) and closed out the year as one of the league’s best deep ball passers.
The folks over at Pro Football Focus certainly recognized the strides Jones was making despite the lacking talent around him, and recently named him the Giants’ most improved player of 2020.
NEW YORK GIANTS: QB DANIEL JONES
This one may seem like a mistake, given that many of Jones’ passing numbers actually took a step back in his second season, but those passing numbers don’t tell the entire story. Jones’ PFF grade — a number designed to isolate the play of a quarterback from his supporting cast — actually improved from 65.9 as a rookie to 78.4 in 2020.
The biggest reason for that improved grade was that Jones did a better job of keeping the ball out of harm’s way, reducing his number of turnover-worthy plays from 31 in 2019 to 17 this past season on a similar number of dropbacks. He also gave the Giants some added value with his athleticism as a runner. A better offensive environment should lead to better results for Jones next season.
Creating a more effective and functional offensive environment for Jones will be the focus of general manager Dave Gettleman & Co. this offseason. Both he and head coach Joe Judge have addressed the need to surround Jones with more playmakers, as well as to find more consistency from the offensive line.
If the Giants are able to do that, Jones should be able to shine. It also won’t hurt that he’ll finally have the opportunity to play a second season in the same system after going from David Cutcliffe (Duke) to Pat Shurmur/Mike Shula to Joe Judge/Jason Garrett over the previous three years.
