The New York Giants desperately need third-year quarterback Daniel Jones to make significant strides on the field in 2021, as the former first-round pick led the NFL in fumbles in each of his two seasons. A dubious honor.
But regardless of how Jones and the Giants fare this season, don't count on the franchise reassessing its future plans with Jones, according to Giants legend and current NFL on CBS analyst Phil Simms. He believes that Jones' leash is longer than some -- or maybe most -- fans hope.
"Jones is going to be the quarterback next year for the Giants after this year's over, no matter what happens this year," Simms told The Zach Gelb Show on Monday. "Everybody can get off, 'This is a crucial year.' Every year is crucial for every quarterback. We all know that. But the offensive line has definitely been upgraded... And of course, what helps an offensive line? Having Saquon Barkley running the football and a receiving corps that's good and deep."
Jones, who turned 24 in May, completed 62.5-percent of his passes for 2,943 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 14 games last season. His quarterback rating (80.4) ranked 30th out of 35 qualifiers, and his sack percentage (9.1) ranked 35th out of 36. Overall, the Giants' offense posted ugly numbers, as their unit averaged a measly 17.5 points and 299.6 yards -- the second-lowest marks in the NFL.
Over 27 career games, Jones has amassed 35 touchdowns, 22 interceptions, and 29 fumbles (17 lost). Despite his glaring issues protecting the football, his scrambling ability and top-level speed has been valuable. In two seasons, Jones has rushed for a combined 702 yards -- his longest rush 80 yards -- and scored three times on the ground.
"For one, he has great size. So, that's always something you can count on," Simms said. "That, his movement, good arm, accurate thrower of the football... The big thing is, now the learning period's over. I think you've got enough weapons, I think he's going to be protected well enough, that he can play with a little more instincts. That would be my only thing.
"Jones, I don't know him well -- I've only talked to him briefly a few times. But he tries to do what the coaches tell him... Now in the third year, instincts will take over more than just trying to please and do the right thing. And I think when quarterbacks gets to that stage, that's when they play their best."
The Giants will open up the 2021 season at home against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 12. According to the William Hill Sportsbook, New York currently has the third-best odds (+425) to win the NFC East.
The entire Giants conversation between Simms and Gelb can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow The Zach Gelb Show on Twitter @ZachGelb and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.