The New York Giants are preparing to take on the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday afternoon, but their rookie quarterback Daniel Jones will remain on the bench as the number two option behind veteran Eli Manning.
Some believe that the rookie should be thrown into the fire immediately to give him experience. However, I believe it is a good decision to keep him learning and developing behind Manning, a seasoned player that can teach him a lot about the necessary preparation for NFL games.
Succeeding against a team like the Cowboys, especially at home in Arlington, requires a certain level of experience and knowledge. At this point, Johns is not ready to take on that challenge, despite Eli having struggled the past few seasons against the biggest rival for the Giants.
That doesn’t mean that Jones isn’t ready, though. Head coach Pat Shurmur confirm to reporters on Thursday that not only will Jones suit up as a number two quarterback, but he is prepared to play in the event given the opportunity.
“He’s ready to go,†Shurmur said.
While the Giants head coach seems confident in his rookie signal-caller, sitting him for as long as possible ultimately only helps him grow as a player, physically and mentally.
The Giants will likely try to exercise the “Green Bay model” in regards to Jones and his future. The argument against that would be the salary cap situation that the team will face come next season. Keeping Manning for $20 million per year doesn’t seem like the most efficient allocation of funds, considering Jones is on his rookie deal and will cost far less and allow the team to address other needs.
General manager Dave Gettleman did mention the idea of keeping Jones behind Manning for as long as the veteran is performing at an adequate level. I feel as though that idea stunts Jones’ growth and will ultimately set him back.
Keeping him tucked away and safe during his first season is the best way to prepare him. Anything more than one season backing Manning will be too much in my opinion.