Why Joe Judge Should Be Glad Knowing Daniel Jones is His Quarterback
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones' numbers aren't anything special--26 of 41 passes completed (64%) for 279 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions (one of which was a backbreaker) for a 79.2 passer rating.
But that's why it's not the best idea to draw conclusions based on the stats.
Giants head coach Joe Judge likely realizes this, so it's no surprise that after watching the film of his team's 26-16 Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he came away so impressed with Jones' performance that he declared during his daily media video call that "I woke up this morning glad Daniel Jones is our quarterback."
He should be. People might harp on the two interceptions, and especially the one that capped a clock consuming 19-play drive that ended in a big goose egg in the points column.
But Jones otherwise delivered as solid of a performance as you'd expect considering the defense he was facing and the protection he had behind the offensive line.
You want to see what Jones can do with time, look no further than his two dimes thrown to receiver Darius Slayton for touchdowns. Perfection, people. Simply perfection.
And what about that 38-yard screen pass to Saquon Barkley? Beautiful.
But even in the face of the blitz, the second-year quarterback did a solid job of recognizing the pressure and getting the ball out of his hand, be it to a nearby target or well out of anyone's reach.
Does anyone need to be reminded that the Steelers recorded 38 takeaways last year and had a league-high 18 fumble recoveries, making this defense a scary opponent against a quarterback who lost the handle on 18 balls when under pressure?
That Jones protected that ball with a determination that wasn't always evident last year when defenders were dragging him down was heartwarming.
And those numbers--what might have been had there not been three dropped passes, including one apiece by Barkley and tight end Evan Engram?
Does it need to be mentioned that while Barkley had trouble finding room to run (not his fault, by the way), Jones somehow managed to eke out 22 rushing yards on four carries to lead the team?
These are all contributions made by a quarterback who showed himself capable of carrying his team even went the support system around him isn't up to snuff.
So who could blame Judge if he's a little giddy on a Tuesday after a loss in knowing that he has a quarterback that, with better support around him and with a determination to continue cleaning up his deficiencies, can ultimately deliver the goods?
