Beleaguered New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones seems to have rotten luck.
On the first play of overtime against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. fumbled and lost the ball. Subsequently, Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro made a 42-yard field-goal attempt, sealing a 20-17 win in Munich, Germany.
Tracy’s gaffe will overshadow Jones’ clutch drive that sent the game into overtime.
With the Panthers leading the Giants 17-14 late in the fourth quarter, Jones engineered a 12-play, 55-yard drive which set up a 42-yard field goal by kicker Graham Gano.
Although the loss wasn’t entirely Jones’ fault, New York fans may continue pointing the finger at him.
The 2019 No. 6 overall pick has struggled this season. Entering the matchup with the Panthers, he had posted a below-average 48 QBR in nine starts. Against Carolina, he completed 22-of-37 passes for 190 yards and two interceptions.
Jones likely needed a win to improve his job security. Earlier this week, ESPN’s Dan Graziano suggested that New York might turn to backup Drew Lock at some point this season.
“After spending some time around the team over the weekend, I’m not convinced [Jones] is the locked-in starter for the rest of the season,” Graziano wrote. “The Giants wanted to give Jones the rest of the season to determine whether he can still be a long-term answer at quarterback, but they could reach a point where they decide they’ve seen enough and are convinced to move in a different direction.”
The Giants (2-8) will probably enter rebuilding mode this offseason. Before they do, though, they must realize QB isn’t their only problem.
Through its first nine games, New York has posted a -4 turnover differential, among the worst marks in the NFL. It also ranked 19th in the league in rushing yards (114.7)
If the Giants move on from Jones in 2025, that would be understandable. However, they’d better put their next QB in a position to succeed.
