The New York Giants are getting used to utilizing Daniel Jones’ running ability more often, but that has come with both positives and negatives.
On one hand, running has been a useful skill for Jones during a season where both the pass protection and the traditional run game have often been lacking.
On the other hand, these runs come with an inherent risk and the Giants witnessed that firsthand when Jones received a concussion in their week 5 loss to the Cowboys.
The situation brings up a new question. Just how much will the Giants shy away from such runs in the future to avoid a similar result?
According to offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, there’s a balance that the coaching staff have to find.
“I think there is a balance there. I think we’d be foolish if we didn’t use his ability as a runner. It’s been such an asset for us, both him making plays spontaneously by moving in the pocket, but also some design stuff,” Garrett told reporters on Thursday.
Despite praising the utility of Jones’ ground game, Garrett also acknowledged the dangers.
“But at the same time, you have to be certainly aware of that. You don’t want to overdo that and put him in harm’s way. I think we’re understanding more and more, he’s understanding more and more the balance between those.”
It’s easy to imagine that the matter will be on the minds of the Giants coaches headed into the next game.
Right now, it’s looking like Jones will play – but his status is unclear, and the concussion scare is a warning about what could come of the Giants being too reckless in their strategy here.
With that being said, don’t expect them to approach week 6 too conservatively. The Giants are on the ropes at this point in the season and a loss will have them written off by many as a lost cause until next Draft.
If Jones is able to play, expect him to continue going 100%. His job may depend on it, and the jobs of the coaching staff may depend on turning the recent poor momentum around just as much.