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Daniel Jones interview: New York Giants quarterback brushes off critics in quest for Super Bowls and embraces role behind Eli Manning
Exclusive interview: The former Duke signal-caller was widely mocked at the 2019 draft after going sixth overall but has since shown promising signs in pre-season
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Your support makes all the difference.Collective sniggering and outright hysterical laughter spread back in April when the New York Giants decided to pick Daniel Jones at No 6 in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Duke quarterback has an ungainly manner and enters the league with limited pedigree in the college game: a 17–19 record might be deceiving though given the lack of talent surrounding him at college and besides, look at Patrick Mahomes now, despite a 13-17 record in college.
Jones has maintained his unassuming persona over the last few weeks though despite his inner self surely screaming to fire back at the critics, many of whom had not even seen his college tape, after a superb pre-season. His flawless display against the Jets and *that* exquisite touchdown pass into the tightest of windows was especially surprising.
Renamed 'Danny Dimes' due to his deft accuracy, this is a young player that has always been brimming with confidence, even before being appointed as the eventual successor to two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning.
"If there’s one thing I want to achieve it’s to win Super Bowls," Jones told The Independent when quizzed on what he hoped to achieve, shunning the opportunity to set a low bar.
"I think I’m capable of it. That’s the biggest way to judge a quarterback’s success, so I hope to win multiple Super Bowls."
Unfairly maligned like very few before him, Jones has been forced to deal with last year's No 1 overall pick and Browns star Baker Mayfield blurting out: “I cannot believe the Giants took Daniel Jones. Blows my mind.” The Cleveland quarterback would quickly backtrack, yet the sentiment was evident, while he will also have to contend with assumptions among ill-informed fans on the street.
This was proven when Jones innocently attempted to buy an ice cream in North Carolina this summer with his sisters, only for the attendant to moan about the Giants' pick, oblivious to the fact the subject of his ire was staring straight back at him. “Yeah, man, that’s crazy. Can’t believe they did that," Jones responded, refusing to bite.
Expectations are limited for now though, with the organisation floating the unbelievable possibility of Jones holding the clipboard for three seasons before establishing himself as the starter. When that time does come though, Jones should be able to justify the Giants' investment without becoming an MVP candidate; given that beyond the two Super Bowl-winning seasons, Manning has failed to muster even one play-off win in 13 seasons.
And besides, transcendent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr departed, while his replacement, Golden Tate, is suspended for the first four games of the season. Jones is therefore in a rather convenient position, yet his priority remains clear.
"I think there are a number of things (I can do right now)," Jones explains when considering how he can best prepare for when his name is called. "The biggest challenge in the NFL is to understand the playbook.
"If you’re going to be able to run the offence and earn respect from teammates, you need to understand the playbook, so that’ll be the first challenge."
The Giants venture into Cowboys territory to open up their season this weekend, knowing the Eagles, perhaps the most outstanding roster of talent, are also competing in the NFC East.
Yet beneath some inevitable initial struggles this season, Jones has already given a tormented fanbase one of the most valuable commodities in the league: hope.
“It’s a change (to not start). It’s a little different,” Jones explained after his first pre-season in the NFL. “But I’m trying to figure out where I can be the most helpful for Eli, for the offense. Whatever I can do to help is my role. Help Eli prepare, help the offense, help the defense prepare with the scout team. I certainly understand that.”
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