While injuries to the New York Giants offensive line and Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley have hurt the team’s offensive production in 2023, some coaches around the NFL believe that Daniel Jones’ average play at quarterback has been just as big a problem.
The New York Giants enter their Week 5 clash against a dominant Miami Dolphins team in a bit of a tailspin. Their defense has struggled mightily at times this season, but in the instances where they have played well, the offensive side of the ball has given them little help.
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Outside of a wild comeback in Week 2 where they 28 points in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals, the Giants offense has only mustered 15 points in their three other games this season. While the unit wasn’t a powerhouse in 2022, they were still much more effective than the mistake-prone group that has taken the field over the first four weeks of the new season.
This past weekend, Daniel Jones had a day to forget as he threw two interceptions (one being a pick-six) and fumbled once. However, some have given him a bit of a pass this week and in previous games because injuries to their offensive line have led to him being under constant pressure, including being sacked 10 times against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4.
Furthermore, running back Saquon Barkley missing the team’s last two matchups would seem to have a major effect on the play-calling possibilities and pass options. Yet, there are some around the NFL who question how good the G-Men offense would be even if they were healthy.
Defensive coach slams Daniel Jones for average play as New York Giants QB
On Thursday, The Athletic NFL reporter Mike Sando got opinions from a few coaches around the league about Jones’ play this season, and well, they weren’t very positive.
“It’s very noticeable how little they make him play like an NFL quarterback,” one defensive coach said. “He has the easiest reads and the easiest concepts, and still he does not throw the ball accurately. He doesn’t throw to the correct leverage, doesn’t throw the receivers open; just doesn’t do it. I’m giving you zero opinions. This is all the tape shows.”
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“The guy is open — just lay it up to him,” the same coach said about one example of a pass to rookie Jalin Hyatt. “He makes it a competitive jump-ball situation.”
In the offseason, the organization gave Daniel Jones a massive four-year, $160 million deal. However, only this season and next are for guaranteed money.