New York Giants: Ranking Daniel Jones’ top 3 throws from 2019

After one season, the New York Giants can feel confident they have their next franchise passer in Daniel Jones. The Duke product managed to post successful statistics despite having a lackluster offensive line and dealing with a bevy of injuries with his playmakers.

Jones finished his rookie campaign with 24 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a 61.9 completion percentage. However, he was sacked 38 times in 13 games and fumbled 18 times, losing 11 of them. There is plenty for Jones to refine and improve upon, which is a massive positive, considering the positive traits he displayed in 2019.

Some of the things we should expect improvement in are — footwork, awareness, ball security, and anticipation. Adding nine extra pounds of muscle should also help his arm strength on the passes.

Despite the lack of efficiency around him, Jones managed to complete impressive players throughout the course of the season.

Let’s take a look at three of his top throws from 2019:

3.) Jones hits Slayton across the middle rolling to his left

This was the first of many Jones’ highlights. From the play-action, Jones immediately feels the pressure coming from his right side, which forces him to roll back to his left and throw across his body toward the middle of the field with poor momentum and stability in the pocket. Luckily, his throw is right on the money and hits Slayton in stride, bringing him down to about the 3-yard line.

This toss gave us a small glimpse into what he’s capable of and the mobility he has within the pocket.

2.) Jones hits Darius Slayton in stride for the score against Minnesota

Another incredible throw from DJ, and funny enough, it’s on another play action. Against a strong Minnesota defense, Jones identifies Slayton working to the inside on his man. He launches a perfect pass downfield, which travels about 45 yards, landing in Slayton’s outstretched arms.

His pocket in the scenario is perfect, with Mike Remmers sustaining an outside move from the right side of DJ and giving him ample time to step up into the pocket and put his weight behind the throw.

1.) Jones hits Sterling Shepard in the corner of the endzone against Chicago

This is my favorite throw from Jones in his rookie season. On a straight play-action pass, Jones steps back into the pocket with pressure immediately closing in. He changes his launch angle to a more 90° set, giving him the comfort of throwing over the incoming pass rusher and into the breadbasket of Shepard, who is double-teamed heading toward the right side of the endzone.

The ball seamlessly floats in the air and hits Shep just as he is going out of bounds, allowing him to get two feet in and secure the touchdown pass. The ball placement on this pass was absolutely perfect and came in his first game as a New York Giant. This gave fans and analysts a better look into what former head coach Pat Shurmur saw in the young Duke quarterback.