New York Giants: Daniel Jones era starts with a bang
With Daniel Jones’ first career start marking the dawn of a new era for the New York Giants, fans can start looking towards the future with excitement.
On Sunday in Week 3, we saw a huge fluctuation in the history of the New York Giants. The reins of the team, which were controlled for so long by all-time Giant great Eli Manning, were passed on to rookie quarterback Daniel Jones, who made a very impressive first career start for Big Blue.
There had been constant discussion of how long Manning would start this season before Jones took over. The moment for change arrived in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though, and it may have been the right one.
This doesn’t look to be a one-off, either. In a season which was always going to be a rebuilding and experimental one, now seems a better time than any to let Jones play games, get experience and ultimately become the heir to Manning that every fan hopes he can be.
New York went into Sunday’s matchup in Tampa Bay with the dreaded 0-2 record and it looked for a while that they’d pick up another early-season loss, all but putting their season to bed in the month of September. Pat Shurmur’s team went into the locker room trailing 28-10 after a first half which showed, again, why this Giants defensive unit is considered as one of the weakest in the NFL.
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However, we did see plenty of promise from an offensive standpoint. Jones’ first career touchdown was a rushing score as the rookie rolled out to his right and outran the defense to the corner of the end zone. His mobility was an underrated attribute of his game as a draft prospect and seeing it on display was exciting for Giants fans.
The second half saw an immaculate turnaround for the G-Men. Plays were being made on defense, finally, and Jones was living up to the hype.
Jones threw a 75-yard touchdown to Evan Engram on the first play from scrimmage of the second half to start off the comeback. The Giants defense allowed just three points in the second half, as well, giving the offense a huge boost. Jones was able to find Sterling Shepard, who made a terrific catch right on the side of the end zone and the Giants were just three points adrift going into the fourth quarter.
As great as Jones was, the Giants defense really did turn up in the late stages and veteran safety Michael Thomas made a huge tackle on third-and-short with just over a minute left to give Jones a chance to put the Giants in a position to win.
Jones then delivered an excellent drive and ended it with his second rushing touchdown and fourth overall score of the day. The defense relapsed slightly to end the game and the Buccaneers had a chance of winning the game as time essentially expired but missed a 34-yard field goal attempt, giving Jones and the Giants their first victory of the season.
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This game was a mark of a new era in Giants football history. Eli Manning is the greatest Giant to wear blue, but it’s now the right time to bring in his successor and get this franchise back on track. It’s just one game but Daniel Jones appears to be the right man for the job.