The New York Giants found their next Manning in Daniel Jones:
At first glance, New York Giants rookie passer Daniel Jones looks eerily similar to Eli and Peyton Manning. The way he stands and speaks mimics the perennial image of the Giants in Eli. Even the way he grimaces after a bad throw is comparable.
However, Jones has no relation to the Manning’s, yet his footwork and fundamentals all look similar. That is because he shares the same fundamentals coach’s as Eli and Peyton, in Duke head coach David Cutcliffe.
In Jones’ first preseason game against the New York Jets, he marched down the field with five completions on five attempts for 67 yards and a score. A beautiful pass to the back corner of the end zone finished Daniel’s night. Bennie Fowler caught the pass, and the football that sailed through the air over two defenders became a moment of history.
Daniel Jones @Giants had the best vision and anticipation of any QB in this year’s Draft. On his TD pass he shows it by throwing the ball at the right moment so the defender has no chance to make a play on the.ball. Impressive debut @DukeFOOTBALL @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/p6iFwDz8yR
— Charley Casserly (@CharleyCasserly) August 9, 2019
The similarities he shares with both Manning brothers provides optimism for the future. If he can replicate their production and fundamentals, he will be in a perfect place. Both brothers have won two Super Bowl’s and will be in the Hall of Fame at the end of the day.
After the game, Jones responded to reporters who asked him what the next step is in his development and progression. Will he look to snag the starting job and begin the succession process of Eli Manning early? Jones is only focused on how he can improve for when his time arrives.
“I think I’ll just continue to do what my job is, and that’s what I can to prepare myself and to improve as much as I can every day, so I trust the plan and I’m part of this team in trying to make sure we’re in the best position to win games this year,†Jones said.
Moving forward, Manning is expected to be the starting quarterback for the 2019 NFL season. He started the preseason game against the Jets with a three and out, missing Rhett Ellison on a wide-open play-action bootleg.
While this shouldn’t scare us away just yet, the excitement Jones provided is something we can harp on for at least the next week.
Head coach Pat Shurmur said, “Slow your roll,†In regards to reporters asking him if Daniel could be the starter this season.
Making sure he learns from this experience and understands the preparation required at the NFL level to succeed is essential, and that is what he will look to develop in his rookie season. If the Giants can manage with Eli under the helm, Jones will be in a great place in his sophomore campaign if the front office elects to move on from Manning.
At this point, Jones seems to have Peyton’s footwork, Eli’s risk-taking, and Archie Manning’s mobility. If he can reach his potential in each of those facets, he could be a fantastic quarterback for the future.