Aug 17, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles 16 yards and slides against Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New York Giants at Houston Texans
(Houston, TX) – When the Giants handed Daniel Jones a 4-year, $160 million contract in the 2023 offseason they were expecting for him to bring more of what he did the year before – protect the football and lead his team to the postseason. What has followed since then makes every football fan scratch their head at the decision for New York to retain Jones.
A 2023 season that was shortened by injury might have been a blessing in disguise for the little time that both Jones and fans saw him take the field. Out of the six games that he started, the Giants lost five. He threw just two touchdown passes to six interceptions, more than he had in 16 games the year prior.
To make things worse both backups Tyrod Taylor and undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito posted more wins for the team, neither playing in more games than Jones did.
Jones made his return to the field this Saturday, starting the Giants’ second preseason game in Houston. He played five drives, all in the first quarter, and the first three were disappointing to say the least.
On the first drive Jones missed on 2-of-3 passes as the Giants went three-and-out. On the second drive, Jones was hit as he released the ball, throwing it right into the hands of a Houston defender who returned it for a touchdown. The next drive showed some promise as Jones drove his team into Texans’ territory, but hopes were quickly diminished as he threw another interception, this time in Houston’s endzone.
The sixth-year quarterback would bounce back on the ensuing drives however, Devin Singletary ended one with a rushing touchdown and Jones’ final drive was complete by Graham Gano’s field goal. It would be the last time that the Giants would score in the game.
While preseason records don’t matter for a reason, the play of Daniel Jones leaves much to be desired not just for his future with the Giants (who can void his contract this year), but as an NFL quarterback entirely.
