Fumble problems are often fixated on the running back position, rather than at quarterback, but the New York Giants have found themselves in that peculiar situation. Rookie quarterback Daniel Jones has struggled to hold onto the ball, fumbling 13 times and losing nine of them.
Jones has shown a plethora of positive signs in his first season in the NFL — accuracy, arm strength, and decision making, to name a few. However, his turnover ratio has been increasing at an alarming rate. Jones has turned the ball over 17 times in eight games for Big Blue (leads the league), but we shouldn’t be too concerned.
The New York Giants don’t care about his interceptions, ask Eli Manning:
Jones’ interceptions have mostly come on forced throws and taking shots downfield. With his wide receivers lacking the separation, most of his throws are being forced into tight windows. It’s easy to blame the quarterback, but consider his receiver’s lack of quality in some categories as well.
Consider Eli Manning’s first full season in the NFL (2005), he threw 17 picks and ended up winning two Super Bowls. He through 16 interceptions in his second Super Bowl-winning season (2011).
Getting to the fumbles:
The fumbles, though, boil down to awareness and pocket feel, two factors that rely heavily on a passer’s understanding of pass-rushers and his offensive line. Jones has been the victim of poof offensive line play and a lack of separation from his receivers, which has forced him to hold onto the ball far too long in the hopes his pass-catchers can get open.
Jones does need to develop an internal clock for specific plays, which would necessarily give him the green light to escape the pocket and extend the play with his legs. Alternatively, he can throw on the run, which he has seen success with this season with the New York Giants.
The fumbles highlight a big concern, but his three four-score games over just eight contests rise above the fold, proving he can be an excellent quarterback in the NFL. Most passers see a significant jump in quality after their rookie season, as they begin to process their mistakes and how to decipher a defense at the line of scrimmage.
Giving the rookie time to learn from his mistakes is what the 2019 season was always meant to provide, so don’t lose faith in management just yet. Jones has given us reason to believe he can be the future of the franchise at quarterback, and that should be enough to justify our confidence. As he gains experience, his awareness will improve and fumble problems will begin to alleviate.