The decision to bench Eli Manning in favor of Daniel Jones for the New York Giants comes at the expense of veteran experience. Jones, being a rookie, doesn’t offer as much in recognizing blitz packages and coverages. However, he has more athleticism and mobility in the pocket, which gives the Giants an advantage in some categories.
Johns starting week three against Tampa Bay buccaneers is more about his development than the lack of efficiency from Manning. With the team starting ON2 on the year, it only makes sense to begin Daniel’s progression and adaptation to the speed and physicality of the NFL.
How can Daniel Jones help the New York Giants?
Where he can make a significant impact is on third downs, which the Giants are converting on just 21.74% this season. They rank 29th in the NFL on third downs, as Manning has struggled to get the ball across the line and is unable to use his legs to pick up first downs.
The reality of the offense is that moving the ball downfield has been a struggle and they have been held to 14 and 17 points respectively over two games. Despite the Giants being outgained 494-470 yards in their season-opening loss to the Cowboys, a good chunk of the yardage came in garbage time. A majority of the production continues to come by Saquon Barkley, the Giants second-year star player.
With Jones able to increase RPOs on the offense and open up head coach Pat Shurmur’s playbook, the unit should see an uptick in efficiency. The play-action should be more sellable, and Jones’ youth could be an advantage.
Also, with the Giants having a top-five offensive line through two weeks, they can ensure the rookie passer will have ample protection and time to move through his progressions. Â One struggle for Daniel during the preseason was his ball security, as he fumbled multiple times. This will be a focal point for him to improve upon.
The Giants have turned the ball over four times this season already, with the defense failing to help in that facet. The more significant factor for Jones is ultimately his mobility and the ability to escape the pocket and extend plays. Manning had multiple passes batted down in week two—Jones will hopefully be able to avoid that.