During his introductory press conference last week, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll addressed the future of quarterback Daniel Jones, and told reporters that the new staff's goal is to construct an offensive scheme that "suits" him, while also providing "some stability."
Jones isn't the least bit familiar with stability. Since joining the NFL in 2019, the former sixth-overall pick has played for two different head coaches and three different offensive coordinators. The constant shuffling of coaches, coupled with recurring mistakes on the field, have hindered Jones' potential as a starter. But the Giants hope Jones will benefit from one more fresh start, and offensive tackle Andrew Thomas looks forward to improving with him.
"He's talented. He can throw, he can run, he's smart. But I think his character stands out," Thomas told After Hours with Amy Lawrence on Tuesday. "He's a team-first guy. Always puts the team above himself and always trying to make sure that he's doing his part to help us out. Never points the finger, and he's a hard worker. He's always in early, one of the last to leave.
"He's not a real rah-rah guy, but he speaks when he needs to... Guys respect that. A big thing for our offensive line is, gelling with the quarterback. I think that DJ will definitely be the starter. I'm not making too many predictions, but I think that he's earned it. And I'm excited to see how he plays this year, under a new regime."
Jones' third season in the NFL wasn't productive. Due to a season-ending neck injury, the 24-year-old played in only 11 games, and during the stretch, he threw for 2,428 yards with just 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Without Jones, the Giants went 0-6 with backups Mike Glennon and Jake Fromm, and averaged 9.3 points. Jones' cap hit will be $8.3 million in 2022, according to Spotrac, and his fifth-year option is estimated at $22.3 million.
Daboll, who succeeds Joe Judge, will certainly have his work cut out for him. New York finished a pitiful 4-13 for last place in the NFC East this past season, and its offense ranked 31st in average points (15.2) and average yards (287.3), and dead last in giveaways (30). The silver lining for the franchise is that they currently own the fifth and seventh overall picks in the 2022 draft.
The entire conversation between Thomas and Lawrence can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow After Hours With Amy Lawrence on Twitter @ALawRadio and @AfterHoursCBS, and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.