New York Giants Top 7 Most Critical Players of 2020: QB Daniel Jones

Giants Country's editorial team's top-most critical player in 2020 is, as probably expected, Daniel Jones. Pat Ragazzo has a breakdown.

If there is a more critical player necessary for the Giants' success in 2020 than quarterback Daniel Jones, I'd like to meet him.

Jones is coming off a successful rookie season. Some of his most important numbers, like touchdowns and completion percentage, bested those of fellow Giants rookie franchise quarterbacks like Eli Manning and Phil Simms.

In 12 starts, Jones shattered expectations with 3,027 passing yards and a 61.9% completion rate, with 24 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. He even showed off his impressive wheels and athleticism rushing for over 200 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner in his first career start.

However, his league-leading 23turnovers were a significant stain on an otherwise encouraging debut by the 2019 sixth overall pick int he draft. 

When it comes to a team's success, it usually starts and ends with the play of their quarterback. While Jones certainly needs help from his supporting cast, it goes without saying that he must show progress in his second year.

To his credit, Jones has taken the initiative to ensure he's a better quarterback and leader this year. He spent his extended time off by bulking up, which has noticeably added more zip to the ball when he throws it. 

Jones also worked with quarterback coach and fellow Duke alumnus Anthony Boone down in Charlotte, North Carolina, this off-season to clean up his fumbling issues as he led the NFL with 18 last year.

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— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) August 17, 2020

Jones, who is learning his third offense in as many years, appears to have developed a comfort level in offensive coordinator Jason Garrett's system. Still, some old habits regarding ball security and holding the ball too long did pop up during one of the scrimmages. 

On a brighter note, Jones should have all his skill position players around him for the first time, something he didn't have last year. That, combined with a better (on paper at least) offensive line should make a big difference for Jones. 

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— NY Giants BR 🇧🇷 (@NYGiantsports) August 13, 2020

A strong second season from Jones should complement the array of talented skill players and result in a productive Giants offense this year. 

The other good news for Jones is that his new head coach, Joe Judge, has emphasized ball security and attention to detail, which will likely help with his troubles of hanging on to the football.

While there is reason to worry as Jones had to learn an entirely new system without a traditional off-season due to the COVID pandemic, he’s a sharp kid. There’s no reason to believe he cannot adapt to Garrett’s offense and take the next step in his career.

That Jones also arranged for a passing camp off-site during the downtime is a big plus--we saw what it did for Eli Manning and his receivers in 2011, so hopefully, Jones will enjoy similar results. 

A good season from the young quarterback in Year 2 is important if this team hopes to be able to turn the ship around and kick start a winning culture.