Master Planner Daniel Jones Charts His Giants Success

What's the secret behind quarterback Daniel Jones' growing confidence on and off the field? Planning mixed with confidence.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

No matter what kind of challenge Giants quarterback Daniel faces, he has a plan.

In fact, he has a lot of plans, many of which have led to his remaining calm in the face of pressure and cool under the glare of the New York spotlight. 

As the Giants (2-2) prepare to take on the Minnesota Vikings (2-2) at MetLife Stadium Sunday, Jones said the team will be ready to play – an answer that implies a certain sense of study, practice, and planning that are staples of the young man's work ethic.

“I think we have a plan to attack, a plan to handle what they do well,” Jones said. 

And that would be?

“Realize it’s about what we do well, too. It’s about playing to our strengths and we will have a plan to do that."

Tight end Evan Engram explained what Jones seems to be constantly searching for amidst all of his planning.

“I think that’s kind of his mindset, to find ways to get better and find ways to get as close to perfect as possible,” Engram said. “That’s kind of the mindset I’ve picked up from him; he wants to be perfect.”

That quest to perfection begins by recognizing one's faults, something Jones has willingly embraced. 

After throwing two interceptions in last week’s win over Washington, Jones owned up to his mistakes and is focused on learning from them.

Not only will he learn from the mistakes, but he has shown that he also has the ability to bounce back quickly. 

He is focused on the process, not the results because he believes that the process--making the read and putting the ball where it’s supposed to go--will lead to the only results that matter.

“I think if you are going to be a successful quarterback, you have to be willing to move on to the next play,” Jones said.

With the return of wide receiver Golden Tate this weekend, Jones will have another target to help execute his plans. 

Jones said that Tate gives the Giants another weapon on offense. He also said that he knows the front seven for the Vikings pose a physical threat.

But don’t worry.

“Like I said, like anything, we’ll have a plan for it,” Jones said.

Jones isn't the only one who is busy planning for Sunday's game in which the Giants hope to win their third straight.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, in talking about the differences in preparing for Jones versus Eli Manning, cited the rookie's pocket mobility and how natural he looks in the pocket.  

“Jones just seems like he’s playing very free,” Zimmer said on a conference call with reporters Wednesday. 

“He just sees it and lets it loose, and he’s not worried about any ramifications. He’s just going out and playing the game.

“Daniel, I think the guy is going to be really, really good, honestly,” Zimmer added. “I think he’s good now, but I think he’s going to be really, really good.”

As for Jones, he was just thinking about how he could be better today than he was the day before 

“Coach talks about it every day, focusing on Wednesday when it’s Wednesday and making sure we are having the best Wednesday we can have,” he said. “And do the same thing tomorrow, the next day and the day after.” 

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