Most of the time the preseason isn’t something that NFL fans look forward to, but many New York Giants fans have been curious about just how new quarterback Daniel Jones is going to do after being taken with the number six overall pick earlier in the year. Jones likely won’t start during the regular season which makes the preseason even more important for evaluating the rookie, and the Giants didn’t waste much time with putting Jones into the game.
Eli Manning only played one series before Jones was put into the offense, tossing five completions in five attempts for 67 yards – perhaps more importantly, Jones connected with Bennie Fowler for a touchdown, catching the receiver near the back of the end zone with a long pass.
ON THE MONEY.
Beautiful back corner throw for @Daniel_Jones10's first career preseason TD!
?: @nflnetwork
Watch on the NFL app: https://t.co/tOvsgatvUX pic.twitter.com/wRlaRVBfeM— NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2019
It’s an impressive first NFL touchdown, with the pass having beat one defender and landed in Fowler’s hands before Fowler could step out of the end zone.
Of course, it’s impossible to really judge Jones after one touchdown drive but it’s hard to deny that it looks like Jones is off to a fast start considering the perfect first drive and the touchdown that it was capped off with.
For better or for worse, it will surely create a lot more speculation about the position of the rookie quarterback when it comes to the pecking order and Jones’ position compared to the starter, Eli Manning.
The Giants are starting Manning during the regular season and that’s not a disputed fact, but if things don’t go well in the first couple of games? The collective memory will be quick to return to the quarterback waiting in the wings, and to this, a perfect opening drive assuming Jones’ play doesn’t take a dip in the future.