The New York Giants are trying desperately to improve after their gut-wrenching 2023 performance. Losing their starting quarterback midway through the season didn’t help, and everyone was ready to see what Daniel Jones had to offer after recovering from a torn ACL.
Jones’ outing on Saturday did not inspire hope for many, but others were less critical.
He hadn’t seen any game action since Week 9 of the 2023 season so most weren’t sure what to expect, but no one anticipated Jones throwing two interceptions. Still, he completed 11 of 18 passes for 138 yards, rushed for 12 yards, and didn’t take a single sack.
There have been mixed reviews about Jones’ play against the Houston Texans, but head coach Brian Daboll isn’t worried.
“Well, I thought there was two plays that we’d like to have back, but he played fast,” Daboll told reporters on Sunday. “It’s different when you’re out there in practice. This was good for him to get out there and get some live reps with the rush, the ability to get hit, he had that scramble. But I’d say he operated well in the pocket.
“The interception, it’s a one-on-one throw down the sideline to (wide receiver Jalin) Hyatt. So, you got to do a good job of saving some space and going up there and giving him an opportunity that if the ball’s up there, we got to go up there and get it. So, I thought he made a lot of good decisions as the game went on, made some nice throws, and guys create some separation and a couple of drops.”
Daboll went on to say that they’d all like to have the pick-6 back, but that’s a throw Jones may not have made during the season and attempted it only because it was preseason.
Ultimately, Daboll seemed pleased with DJ’s play.
“But first time out there after a long layoff, live ball, it was good for him,” he said.
Mistakes are going to happen in every game, no player is immune. Every player in the Giants locker room, including Jones, took away some learning experience from that loss — experience they’ll use to get better and win the next one.
