Issue no. 17: Daniel Jones Is Running Out Of Excuses

Would New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones be a starter on any of the other 31 teams in the NFL? This is the question I ask myself every time I watch him play.

Jones is entering season six. All with the Giants. None have been stellar. Not statistically, not visually, not emotionally.

There’s been moments of optimism in that time. But only some. Not enough to keep the “what if” noise at a low hum.

What if Jones had a better offensive line?

What if Jones had true playmakers at the wide receiver position?

What if Jones hadn’t had three different head coaches and three different offensive coordinators in five seasons?

What if Jones hadn’t suffered injuries to his neck, hamstring, ankle and ACL in his first five seasons?

What if Jones was franchised and Saquon Barkley was given the big guaranteed contract?

Even though these questions are as fair as they are obvious, athletes and organizations won’t play this hypothetical game. However, when an organization drafts you no. 6 overall to succeed a twice Super-Bowl-winning quarterback — Eli Manning — that just called it a career after 16 loyal and injury-free seasons, there are expectations.

Steep ones.

So when in his first game action since suffering an ACL injury midway through last season, Jones throws two interceptions in the game’s first three drives, it’s a problem.

Jones’s decision-making abilities have not matured to where you would expect a highly drafted quarterback to be in their sixth year.

Now that the Giants have beefed up the offensive line and have a core of young upstart wide receivers, lead by rookie Malik Nabers, I’ll give you a “what if” that does make sense.

What if the Giants cut ties with Jones?