Jonesing for more

While QB was great in win, Giants need a lot more from defense

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — No matter what rookie quarterback Daniel Jones does the rest of the season, the New York Giants are going to continue to be an NFL alsoran until they do something with their defense. Take a look at the standings. There is no doubt Giants fans are overjoyed seeing Jones throw two touchdowns and run for two more in his first start, rallying the team from an 18point deficit in a wild 3231 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

The 12 record looks a lot better than 03.

But look at the right side of the standings, where it says points allowed. The Giants have given up 94 in three games. That’s the worst in the NFC and the second worst in the league, topped only by the dreadful Miami Dolphins, who have given up 133.

The total points allowed for the Giants should be 97 and the record 03 despite how well Jones played, hitting 23 of 36 passes for 336 yards in his first start since replacing Eli Manning. The Bucs missed a chipshot field goal on the final play.

They should have won.

So before getting giddy with Jones, the sixth pick overall in the draft, realize the Giants still have a lot to do to get better to be a contender again.

WHAT NEEDS HELP

It would be easy to say everyone on the defense. Breaking it down, let’s point a finger at cornerback Janoris Jenkins. He ripped the defensive line for failing to get a pass rush last week. He was toasted by Mike Evans, who finished with nine catches for 190 yards and three touchdowns. With the Giants clinging to a onepoint lead late, Jenkins allowed Evans to get behind him for a 44yard catch to the New York 9. Bucs rookie placekicker Matt Gay saved the Giants, going wide right from 34 yards on the final play.

STOCK UP

Has to be Jones. While the Duke product played well in training camp and the preseason, this was his first start in real action. He didn’t disappoint and now the pressure is going to be on him to follow it up with another big effort. It’s going to be tougher with Saquon Barkley out, but the Giants did their damage against the Bucs after the running back left the game.

STOCK DOWN

After playing well in the first two games, the revamped offensive line was abused by the Buccaneers and linebacker Shaquil Barrett, who had four of Tampa Bay’s five sacks. Barrett also had a forced fumble on one of the sacks, leading to a field goal. Left tackle Nate Solder, who signed a fouryear, $62 million contract before the 2018 season, did not hold up against the speed rush, and the coaching staff didn’t bother to give him help.

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, second from right, is congratulated after scoring a fourth quarter touchdown during Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers.