5 NFL quarterbacks that have a lot to prove in 2021

2. Daniel Jones

This season is a crucial one for Daniel Jones. He’s been a mixed bag during his first two seasons with the New York Giants. He was impressive in year one but lacked quick decision-making and ball security. In his second season, a hamstring injury limited him to 14 games, but they weren’t pretty. He threw 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, along with 11 fumbles.

Turnovers have been Jones’ Achilles heel, as his 39 turnovers since being drafted in 2019 are the most by any player in that span, according to Heavy.

The first thing Jones must prove is that he can hold on to the ball. Very few quarterbacks have success in the NFL if they continuously turn the ball over. If he can’t fix this issue, he might not make it through a full 16-game season (meaning he’ll get benched). But, on the other hand, if he can stop giving the ball away, the weapons at Jones’ disposal should make him and Giants fans excited.

They signed star receiver Kenny Golladay in free agency and drafted another pass catcher in Kadarius Toney. Kyle Rudolph and John Ross join an offense with Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, and Evan Engram. With all those pass catchers, there is no excuse why Jones can’t have a field day on opposing defenses.

Let’s not forget who is in the backfield. Saquon Barkley is coming off an ACL tear, but he looks more than ready to go based on offseason workout footage. He is a sensational talent, running between the tackles, bouncing it outside, or running routes like a receiver. That alone should be enough for Jones to make a considerable leap in year three.

Daniel Jones is in a prove-it year with the Giants; it’s as simple as that. He needs to take care of the football, make smart decisions, and use his playmakers. If he does that, he should have a good year and potentially get New York to the postseason. If not, his future with the G-Men could look a lot bleaker heading into 2022.