Daniel Jones is embarking on a make-or-break season with the New York Giants. According to Spotrac, the Giants are financially incentivized to move on from Jones in 2025. As such, Jones has to actively convince the front office that he’s better than a rookie in 2024. With so much pressure on Jones, it can be overwhelming and feel like the house of cards is about to blow over.
That said, Jones still has the opportunity to extend his leash considerably with a big year. Here’s a look at three ways he can maximize the chances of that.
Don’t expect Malik Nabers to save the day
There’s been a lot of attention and hype surrounding Malik Nabers. However, Jones can’t expect his new rookie wide receiver to do all of the work for him. He still will need to place the ball accurately, avoid double coverage when possible, and be open to throwing at other targets. If he zeroes in on his new wide receiver like he’s Odell Beckham Jr. in Week 1, it could cause a spiraling effect in the worst way.
As such, he needs to play the game the way it was meant to be played. Meaning, he has to continue to perfect other strategies, progressions, and movements in the pocket to keep defenses guessing. Defenses are likely already anticipating a lot of targets for Nabers, so it falls on Jones to be ready for that before it’s too late.
Prioritize wins over statistics
The complaints surrounding the Giants quarterback center on his quite low throwing numbers. He hasn’t thrown for 20 touchdowns since his rookie season, but he still managed to get another contract. The reason is because the Giants value wins above all else. He can win ugly and still be fine in the eyes of the Giants. Of course, if he has the ability to throw a few more touchdowns this season, he shouldn’t shy away from that. However, he also shouldn’t feel the need to do his best Patrick Mahomes impression, either.
He had his back against the wall at the end of his rookie deal after the Giants didn’t take his fifth-year option and managed to win a brand-new deal by winning nine games and a playoff game. If he can pull off the same record this year, he should be just fine heading into 2025, almost no matter the personal statistics.
Stay healthy
The best ability is availability. As such, especially following a missed season due to injury, health is everything. If Jones has another season ended by injury in addition to his long career marked by struggle, it could be the final straw for the Giants. It would be two consecutive years lost on a quarterback that hasn’t proven an ability to win consistently in the NFL or at least put up impressive statistics in the losses.
If Jones needs to slide an extra yard early, then that’s what he needs to do. Also, running out of bounds is the best way to avoid a tackle and any risk of injury while sliding. Even if he has to drop to the ground in response to pressure like Tom Brady did in the late stages of his career, it would be better than a season-ending injury.
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