Training camp is underway for the New York Giants, who have seen three players opt out of the 2020 season already. With the deadline for opt-outs being on Thursday at 4 PM, the roster is solidified, and the Giants can now proceed through camp without any worries.
Of course, following the COVID-19 protocols remains essential, and being cautious is the new norm in the NFL. With the MLB already setting the stage for setbacks, the NFL has to be careful, and each team has to follow the rules to perfection.
Ultimately, teams have allowed players to live at alternative locations other than hotels rented by the team, which could be a problematic situation. Considering football is much more physical, the chances of getting the virus during a game are elevated.
However, all we can do is hope for the best in this unique situation. With the Giants reporting to camp, quarterback Daniel Jones has made his presence known. On a conference call with media members on Thursday afternoon, Jones stated that he has never been stronger entering this season.
He put on 8-9 pounds of pure muscle, indicating the photo comparison below certainly indicates he’s telling the truth.
Jones’s thighs are clearly more defined, and his arms more vascular. His frame, in general, looks to be broader and stronger, which should help his ball security in the pocket. Jones fumbled the ball 18 times during his rookie campaign, losing 11 of them.
The New York Giants saw enough positives from Daniel Jones:
Despite that one mind-blowing statistic, he did throw for 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also rushed the ball 45 times for 279 yards and two scores. Overall, his rookie campaign was quite good, despite the fact most of his playmakers were missing due to injury. An unhealthy Saquon Barkley and Sterling Shepard limited the offense’s production and efficiency.
Considering Golden Tate missed the first few games of the campaign due to suspension, Slayton missed two games, and Evan Engram missed half the season, it is impressive Jones was even able to score 26 overall touchdowns.
With improved size and awareness, I fully expect Daniel to take a step forward in 2020. The drafting of Andrew Thomas with the fourth overall picked likely cemented the left tackle position. Nate Solder allowed 11 sacks in 2019. Solder has since opted out of the campaign, which means Thomas and incumbent Cam Fleming will compete for the left tackle spot.
Nonetheless, it is great to see Jones working on his craft and physically getting in better shape for the NFL. He was a bit thin and weak in the pocket last year. His improved size and stability should give him more velocity on his throws and decrease his probability of fumbling when hit.
