Daniel Jones get last laugh in statement victory for Giants
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The quarterback of the New York Giants was turned into the butt of jokes leaguewide the last time he played the Philadelphia Eagles about three weeks ago.
Despite the mocking of Daniel Jones on social media and sports talk radio, the reaction to his stumble and fall at the end of an 80-yard run in the Giants’ loss to the Eagles in their previous meeting did not mean he was destined to live in infamy.
Jones took care of that in a statement victory in Week 10, both for his young career and the Giants, who managed to do what seemed far-fetched with the way they lost to Philadelphia 23 days earlier:
By defeating the Eagles by a score of 27-17, the Giants are legitimate contenders in the NFC East, and they’ve gotten there with Jones following the blueprint many observers expressed doubt as to whether he ever would or could.
That’s why Jones’ response to a question about his 34-yard touchdown run in the first quarter – again on a perfectly executed zone read, only this time he didn’t trip – was fitting.
“Austin Mack came down and made a big block there, it kind of just opened up for me,” Jones said. “So, just tried to stay on my feet that time and get in the end zone.”
In preaching patience with Jones, the Giants are starting to get exactly what they need to win games from the leader of their offense and much maligned No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 draft.
“I didn’t learn anything new about Daniel today. I’ve known that the entire time working with him, and I think we all have internally, that’s why the team has so much confidence in Daniel, that’s why he’s our quarterback,” Giants head coach Joe Judge said. “We’re going to play aggressive with Daniel, and he’s done a heck of a job making plays when we need it and making better decisions throughout the season. This guy is a young player who is developing; he’s learning a lot every week. You can see his improvement week to week. ... When he steps into that huddle, there’s 10 guys looking at him knowing he’s going to be the one to give them the answer to the problem.”
Jones finished 21 of 28 passing for 244 yards, and he rushed for 64 yards. And for the second time in two games, he did not turn the ball over.