New York Giants studs and duds: Daniel Jones runs his way to victory

Stud: Daniel Jones, QB

This was easily the best game of Daniel Jones’ career.

The fourth-year quarterback made his first-ever playoff appearance and he didn’t disappoint. Jones got it done with his arm and his legs and while his ability to run was exciting, it was his accuracy that got things moving.

On the opening drive, Jones finished with 35 yards on 2-of-2 passing with another 22 yards on two runs. He then went 3-of-3 on his second drive with another 65 yards through the air. This time, he capped things off with a dart to Isaiah Hodgins, who hauled in a 14-yard pass for a touchdown.

Once he forced the Vikings to respect the pass, he started to run the ball more. Jones finished with 301 yards passing and two touchdowns with 78 yards on the ground — including some key third and fourth-down conversions.

Dud: Daniel Bellinger, TE

New York was up 14-7 and looking to really take a commanding lead. On a drive that started at their own nine, they went 85 yards and killed nearly 11 minutes but had to settle for a field goal. The kick came after it appeared they scored a touchdown as Daniel Jones ran it in from four yards out, but flags flew on the play.

Daniel Bellinger was guilty of moving early which would have been fine if Richie James wasn’t already in motion. The pre-snap penalty erased the touchdown and took four points off the board. He made up for the play with a nine-yard touchdown in the second half but costing your team points in the playoffs is never ideal.