Will Giants' Daniel Jones Prove Critics Wrong?
As the NFL season approaches, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones finds himself absent from the list of top contenders for the Comeback Player of the Year award. According to NFL.com, players like Joe Burrow and Aaron Rodgers lead the predictions, but Jones, who is coming off a 2023 season-ending ACL injury, did not make the cut.
Jones’ journey back to the field has been challenging. After missing three games due to a neck injury, his season ended abruptly with a Week 9 ACL tear. Despite his rehabilitation progressing smoothly, Jones' absence from the rankings raises questions about his prospects for the season. His numbers before the injury were inconsistent, with a 34th ranking in EPA per play and 32nd in success rate among 36 qualifiers. The Giants' offensive struggles, including an offensive line ranked last in pass blocking, further complicated Jones’ performance.
The Giants are making adjustments to support Jones' return. Head Coach Brian Daboll is expected to reclaim play-calling duties, and the offensive line has undergone changes, with new faces like Jermaine Eluemunor and Jon Runyan joining Andrew Thomas, John Michael Schmitz, and Evan Neal. Additionally, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers arrives to bolster a receiving corps that struggled last year.
Jones has shown resilience in his recovery, participating fully in OTAs and minicamp, and he is confident he will be ready for Week 1. However, with players like Joe Burrow, Aaron Rodgers, and Kirk Cousins dominating the Comeback Player of the Year conversation, Jones will need a standout season to prove himself once more.
The Giants kick off their 2024 campaign with high hopes, knowing that much depends on Jones regaining his form and leading a revitalized offense to success. As they prepare for their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, all eyes will be on Jones to see if he can shake off the rust and return to the level of play that saw him shine in 2022. A strong performance against the Vikings defense could set the tone for the season and potentially shift the narrative around Jones’ comeback. With so much riding on his shoulders, the Giants' fate in the early weeks could hinge on how quickly their quarterback finds his rhythm.
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