The New York Giants have disappointed through nine weeks as they prepare to enjoy a week off ahead of a big matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Defensively, they’ve stepped up the plate in their last three games, holding opponents to 20 points or fewer, but their offense remains a liability.
Unfortunately, QB Daniel Jones has been put in a position to fail, hosting a porous offensive line that ranks dead-last in pass protection and a WR core that can’t stay healthy. However, the offense projects to gain by left tackle Andrew Thomas and a healthier receiver core after the BYE.
Up to this point, though, Jones has endured his fair share of struggles, despite showing positive progress with his decision-making and ball security. Jones has completed 64.8% of his passes this season, a career-high, but he’s not taking enough shots downfield, a product of his OL and lackluster receiver talent.
Jones has only thrown passes 20+ yards downfield on a measly 7.4% of his attempts, while a player like Matthew Stafford, who leads a potent Rams offense, has thrown 11.2% of his passes beyond that mark. The truth lies in the trenches — the Giants will never have a competent offense unless they have an above-average pass-blocking OL, which will require them to invest heavily in next year’s draft.
However, Jones believes he’s taken a step forward this year, even if his statistics don’t reflect the jump:
“Overall, I think a lot of the things I wanted to do better, I think I’ve done some of them, and that’s been encouraging,†Jones said via Giants Country. “I think at times I can be better protecting the ball and getting it out quicker, and I think those are things I’m always focused on, so just being more consistent with that and continuing to work to improve.â€
Jones puts a lot of responsibility on himself, but if his protection would allow him time in the pockets and his receivers to develop their routes, his numbers might look quite different.
Nonetheless, the Giants still have eight games remaining to show growth with their offense, and they’re getting healthier over the break. Jones is still walking on thin ice, especially if upper management elects to fire GM Dave Gettleman and move in a different direction. He needs to show clear signs of growth not only on the field but on the stat sheet.