New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones had an up-and-down sophomore season. He dealt with injury issues, was held back due to personnel issues and yet, somehow, displayed an obvious all-around improvement to his game.
Some will contend that the numbers defy that improvement, but that’s a weak argument in comparison to what’s on film.
NFL.com’s 2020 QB Index rankings reflect that (to some degree) with Jones checking in at No. 24 among 59 quarterbacks who started a game last season.
Rank 24: Daniel Jones
Individual Rank: Bhanpuri: 30 | Blair: 25 | Filice: 20 | Parr: 24
2020 stats: 14 games | 62.5 pct | 2,943 pass yds | 6.6 ypa | 11 pass TD | 10 INT | 423 rush yds | 1 rush TD | 6 fumbles lost
Bhanpuri: One of the most infuriating players in the entire league, Daniel Jones has proven in his short career that he can make every throw and almost any run. And yet, he turns the ball over (1.4 per game) like he’s going toe to toe with Jameis Winston. Can Jones make a Baker Mayfield-like leap in Year 3?
The decision to knock Jones for his turnovers despite a noticeable improvement in that area is an interesting take, but it’s still something he needs to work on.
What’s more telling here is that analysts are finally beginning to realize that Jones does have a strong and accurate arm, and can make any thrown on the field. For the longest time, that was a criticism of Jones not based in any sort of reality.
Meanwhile, quarterback Colt McCoy, who started two games in Jones’ absence this past season, checked in all the way down at No. 48.
Rank 48: Colt McCoy
Individual Rank: Bhanpuri: 48 | Blair: 48 | Filice: 50 | Parr: 48
2020 stats: 4 games | 60.6 pct | 375 pass yds | 5.7 ypa | 1 pass TD | 1 INT | 12 rush yds | 0 rush TD | 1 fumble lost
Filice: With the Week 13 win at Seattle, McCoy’s career record is now 2-0 vs. the Seahawks … and 6-22 against the rest of the NFL. Colt McCoy, ‘Hawk hunter.
McCoy played well enough in each game he started, but the Giants would much prefer to have Jones on the field for all 16 games.
