Former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is experiencing a resurgence with the Indianapolis Colts.
Like Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, all it took for Jones to find success was to get away from the Giants. It turns out, the NFL experience is much different, perhaps even beneficial, when a player no longer calls the Meadowlands their home.
In a recent episode of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s and Andrew Whitworth’s podcast, “Fitz and Whit,” Jones waxed poetically about what he’s learned in the year he’s been away from the Giants.
“I always thought I worked really hard, I tried to work really hard and it was important for me to prepare, watch film, study. And I think I did that,” Jones said, via X/Twitter. “But then going to Minnesota, I saw how Sam (Darnold) prepared, how Kevin (O’Connell) prepared those guys, (quarterbacks coach) Josh McCown, (then assistant offensive coordinator) Grant Udinski, that crew and how detailed they were day in and day out on every little bit of the plan and how they’re gonna study it, what they’re looking for, walking through it, quizzing each other in the quarterback room. That made a big impression on me, and I was like, OK, this is maybe the next level of some of that stuff.”
Drafted in the first round (No. 6 overall) by the Giants in 2019, Jones played six seasons with Big Blue. He has a 27-44-1 record with the Giants and a 64.1% completion percentage with 70 touchdowns and 47 interceptions.
The Giants released Jones last November, allowing him to sign on to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. Then, after electing free agency at the end of the season, he signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts.
In the five games since Jones was named the starter after beating out Anthony Richardson in a training camp battle, he has completed 71.3% of his passes (107 of 150) for 1290 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. He also has rushed for three touchdowns, helping the Colts lead the AFC South with a 4-1 record.
Meanwhile, the Giants are 1-4 and have decided to bench Russel Wilson in favor of first-rounder Jaxson Dart.
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