The New York Giants need all of their 2019 rookies to take significant steps forward next season. The process of a rebuild is tumultuous and takes time, but Big Blue has the necessary talent to win games at the NFL level. Quarterback Daniel Jones is a major piece in the Giants’ plans, but ball security issues in 2019 severely limited his production.
Jones fumbled 18 times, losing 11 of them in his rookie campaign, displaying a lack of awareness in the pocket, and an inadequate offensive line certainly didn’t help. The second-year quarterback has not shied away from talking about his issues holding onto the football, and he has worked this off-season on improving that side of his game, stating that it was actually a simple fix.
However, part of his resolution was gaining 9 pounds, which theoretically should make him stronger at the point of contact. If Jones can keep his fumbling to a minimum, he should see an improvement in overall production and efficiency from the pocket. Also, getting rid of the ball quicker on timing routes will likely be a step forward under new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.
“He’s been serious about staying busy in the weight room. I think he’s around 230,â€Â David Morris of QB Country told The Athletic. “He’s gotten bigger and therefore you see it — he’s stronger.â€
“One of Daniel’s greatest attributes is his competitiveness – the ability to fight, hang in there, go that extra yard and do whatever it takes. I think that’s a great gift and strength of his,†Morris said. “Same token, knowing when to stop competing is something that we talk about. Knowing when to move on — throw it away, tuck it. An incompletion is better than a sack. An incompletion is better than a turnover.â€
Could the New York Giants use QB option more often in 2020?
Jones is not afraid of running the football, as he scored two rushing touchdowns early on in the 2019 campaign against the Tampa Bay buccaneers. Former head coach and offensive play collar Pat Shurmur limited his rushing attempts, due to the probability of injury for a quarterback at 221 pounds. Jumping up to 230 pounds should give him that extra strength and size to pick up a few more yards when his mobility is activated.
Ideally, the offensive line will be more effective in 2020, giving him more room to work with in the pocket, but giving himself a competitive advantage by increasing his size should only benefit him in the long run.