Many have already written off New York Giants rookie quarterback Daniel Jones. However, the former Duke standout and recent first round NFL Draft has impressed thus far into the preseason, though there is not quarterback controversy in East Rutherford just yet.
Nonetheless, Jones will need to keep performing when on the field as it remains Eli Manning's team with the regular season now looming large. Despite the fact that Jones has played well early on in his professional tenure as a member of the Giants, Manning will surely start for “Big Blue” come Week 1 of the regular season.
Before heading back to the bench, Jones will need to hit a few milestones in order to keep the New York media and diehard fans off his case.
Throw For 100 Yards
Assuming Jones receives the majority of the playing time in the team's third preseason game on Thursday evening against the Cincinnati Bengals, it shouldn't be out of the question that the first-year signal caller throws for over 100 yards. Although 100 yards wouldn't be that impressive over the course of an entire regular season game, the preseason is a strange time of year. Such a milestone could get Jones' confidence up just in time to close out the preseason.
It also helps that this is not a difficult accomplishment; a simple and achievable goal always boosts the ego a bit.
Complete At Least 65 Percent Of His Passing Attempts
More importantly than throwing for 100 yards through the air, Daniel Jones must make sure to play an efficient game on Thursday against the Bengals. The best way to reach a desired standard of efficiency is to complete at least 65 percent of his passing attempts. While completing more than 65 percent of his passing attempts would certainly be the best possible outcome, this is a reasonable number to hang his hat on.
With Jones likely to throw between 15 and 20 passes on Thursday evening, the former Duke signal caller should be able to surpass the double-digit mark in terms of completions. It is also worth noting that the Giants will play to his strengths. It is unlikely that Jones will be slinging the rock all over the field. Instead, Jones should stick to short routes that are either toward the sideline; dump-offs to running backs and tight ends; and short throws over the middle.
Don't Turn The Football Over
If the Giants can keep the play calling within Jones' wheelhouse as mentioned above, there is no reason why the up-and-comer should be under a ton of pressure. If Jones can get the ball out of his hands quickly and avoid getting sacked, a little help from his offensive line will mean a lot. There shouldn't be any risk involved with his upcoming outing.
That said, when the ball does leave Jones' hands, he must protect the football at all costs. With Manning becoming turnover-prone over the years, Jones must learn by such an example and do the complete opposite of his veteran counterpart.
No turnovers will equate to a successful outing for Jones in Week 3 of the preseason.
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