King of New York
Who will have better 2021 season: Giants’ Daniel Jones or Jets rookie Zach Wilson?
oung, talented and under the microscope.
That’s the life of a quarterback for the Giants and Jets, and the 2021 season will be no exception for Daniel Jones and Zach Wilson, respectively.
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Each starter for the local teams is talented, and arrived through the use of a significant organizational asset. The Giants took Jones with the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, surprising most draft analysts. The Jets selected Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, which wasn’t a surprise as much as it was debatable then and now. The future of each franchise rests on their respective shoulders.
So, which will do better under the microscope and with the pressure bearing down this season?
Let’s dive into the situation each quarterback is in, and come to a conclusion on which one you should back in bar debates ASAP.
DANIEL JONES
Why to be excited: Giants general manager Dave Gettleman went out of his way to give Jones more weapons. Kenny Golladay was signed. Evan Engram, despite the gripes of some fans, is returning at tight end. After losing out on Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith, Kadarius Toney became a good
consolation prize after a blockbuster trade down. Saquon Barkley is back. If Jones fails, it won’t be because he wasn’t given weapons. The third-year signal caller is healthy heading into the end of the preseason, potentially putting early-career durability issues behind him. Add in a second year in Jason Garrett’s offense and continuity has arrived.
Why to worry: Can the Giants block? That’s been the biggest question with this franchise for years, and remains so entering 2021. The offensive line wasn’t good last season, and likely won’t be a top half of the NFL unit this year. That could curtail any chance Jones has to be great, especially in a division that features Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Demarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons. For as good as the weapons look on paper, it’s anyone’s guess as to how many snaps guys like Golladay and Barkley actually play.
The outlook: Jones looks poised for a jump, and shouldn’t have to put up 30 points per game to win behind a good Giants defense. But question marks remain. If Jones doesn’t stop turning the ball over, his career will end up like another high pick that washed out: Mark Sanchez.
ZACH WILSON
Why to be excited: Have you seen Wilson throw? The form is beautiful. The release is quick. He can throw from different platforms. There’s a ton of physical tools to work with, even if a pedigree of playing and winning big college games isn’t there to fall back on. Wilson has more than adequate mobility to navigate the pocket and find windows, including tight windows that he can throw to with ease. If the preseason is any indication, he looks ready to roll.
Why to worry: New York’s offensive line is a work in progress. Corey Davis and Elijah Moore could form a very solid receiving tandem, but this isn’t exactly the Chiefs pass-catching group. The running back group likely won’t carry the day, forcing Wilson into obvious passing downs. The Jets could be in shootouts all year after losing defensive end Carl Lawson. Any rookie quarterback that enters a season in a division featuring Bill Belichick, Sean McDermott and Brian Flores will have a tough time.
The outlook: There’s a reason few scoffed when Wilson was selected over prospects like Trey Lance, Justin Fields or Mac Jones. He’s got that kind of arm. We’ll soon see about the rest. A chance to be the best young quarterback the Jets have drafted since Chad Pennington is there for the taking.
Jones should win more games. His team has a better chance to make the playoffs, which would vault his status in the Big Apple. But when the 2021 season ends, it’s more likely to see Jones’ Giants career on thin ice and veteran replacement options considered. Wilson will take his lumps and likely end with more interceptions and loses, but there will be no question of which young quarterback is headed for the brighter career once this season concludes, and that quarterback plays in green and white.