The New York Giants salvaged their 2020 season after starting out the year 0-5, finishing 6-10. A question still remains regarding Daniel Jones' status as a franchise quarterback, and all eyes will be on him heading into a pivotal 2021 campaign with new top wideout Kenny Golladay joining the fray.
New York's investment in offensive weapons is really an investment in Jones' success. The Giants' longshot +5000 odds to win Super Bowl LVI on WynnBET showcase this team has plenty of room to improve. Owner John Mara has made his expectations clear forJones ahead of next season.
John Mara says Daniel Jones can win a Super Bowl "without any hesitation"...says Giants roster is "good enough to make the playoffs."...says Golladay was not top target...says fans "can't call us cheap anymore." My 1-on-1 for The Post
— Ian O'Connor (@Ian_OConnor) March 28, 2021
https://t.co/nTTUorsbTG via @nypostsports
Mara said point-blank that Jones can lead New York to a Super Bowl. That bold claim is likely the owner trying to push his QB to step up given the team's offseason additions. It adds pressure that Jones will either take in stride or crumble under.
Jones, the 2019 No. 6 overall pick, totaled 2,943 yards while throwing 11 TDs and 10 INTs along with 11 fumbles in 2020. A turnover liability under center is going to cost this playoff-worthy team if it continues.
Jones doesn't bear all of the fault. He was sacked 45 times last season, the fourth-highest mark in the league. The Giants' offense also lost a key weapon in RB Saquon Barkley to a season-ending injury early in the year.
New York has already taken steps to address one of their main issues with their noteworthy signing of Golladay in free agency. He instantly slots in as the team's WR1, opening up the field as a deep threat (career 16.8 yards per reception) and headlining a receiving corps with Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton and Evan Engram in place.
Throw in additional signings of John Ross and Kyle Rudolph, and Jones is now the conductor of an offense with potential.
This is the year for Jones to prove he's the man for the job. This offseason proved teams aren't afraid to pursue changes under center, and there's QBs out there who could step in to take this team to the next level if Jones shows he doesn't have what it takes.