“Daniel Jones has to make the playoffs”: Colin Cowherd Believes It’s Playoffs Or Bust For New York Giants Quarterback After Kenny Golladay Signing

Daniel Jones has yet to guide the New York Giants to a playoff berth. Jones was the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft but has largely failed to live up to that.

Jones has amassed an 8-18 record in his two years with New York, and he hasn’t even sniffed the playoffs. The Giants are attempting to make life easier as they definitely upgraded in free agency. Their biggest acquisition was former Lions receiver Kenny Golladay.

With him, Saquon Barkley returning from injury, and studs like Sterling Sheppard and Evan Engram, the Giants field a very solid offense. That is, of course, except for their quarterback. Of course, Daniel Jones still has time to turn his career around, but time is ticking on his future with New York.

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How Has Daniel Jones Played For The New York Giants?

Jones’ career has been largely disappointing with the G-Men. After a somewhat promising first year, Jones saw a massive sophomore slump.

In 2019, Jones threw for 3,027 yards in 12 games as a starter with 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also fumble the ball 18 times, but it looked like there was something there, something to work with.

All young quarterbacks struggle with turnovers, and obviously, Jones was suffering from the same thing. However, turnovers are something that can be worked on. What can’t be worked on is a regression in passing yards per game, and a drop in touchdowns thrown, because those point to bigger issues.

Jones only threw for 2,943 yards and 11 touchdowns despite starting 14 games this year. He did cut his interceptions to 10 and his fumbles to 11, but Jones clearly regressed.

The hope is that Kenny Golladay’s signing reinvigorates Jones and elevates his game. Golladay was impressed with the offensive scheme that head coach Joe Judge and coordinator Jason Garret have, one of the biggest reasons he signed with New York in the end. Thus, if he can bring out the best in Jones’ games, it’ll go miles for improving the young quarterback’s career.

How Did Daniel Jones Feel About Golladay’s Signing?

Jones was thrilled to hear that Golladay chose to sign with New York. The two sides were in talks for three days until the deal was finally done. Jones had this to say about his new wide receiver:

I’m very excited to have Kenny. He’s been a big time playmaker in this league. When we spoke, he was interested in the culture we have in the building and the mindset of the team. I think he had heard it from coaches but wanted to hear how we saw it as players and how much we believed in it…I can’t wait to get out on the field and get to work with him.

Of course, with Golladay listed at 6’4″ and 214 pounds with a Pro Bowl year under his belt, Jones has plenty to be excited about.

Is It Really Playoffs Or Bust For Him?

Of course, don’t forget that Saquon Barkley is also going to return after missing the whole year with a torn ACL. Having those two weapons back should help Jones. However, does that mean that there’s suddenly pressure on him to lead the Giants to the playoffs?

Well, yes. The NFC East is a weak division. The Cowboys should be looked at as the favorite to win the division next year as Dak Prescott is set to return with wide receivers Amari Cooper, Ceedee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and running back Ezekiel Elliot. Prescott is certainly the best quarterback in the NFC East, but with the kind of weaponry the Giants employ, they can compete with them.

Of course, it all starts with how well Daniel Jones plays. If he can’t perform, even with such a stacked receiving and running core, then it might be time to move on. Jones has shown that he can improve (turnovers), but he needs to ensure that the improvement carries over to his entire body of work.

Maybe Colin Cowherd is right. Jones could need the pressure to make the playoffs to truly become a star or, at least, a very very solid starter. That’s all the Giants would like to see from him for now.

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