We all have potential to become great in our preferred field of work. Having the potential, however, is one stop on the journey. The next steps are imperative, they’re what separates the good from the great.
Daniel Jones has the potential to become a great NFL quarterback. In 13 games last season, he completed 284 passes and threw for 3,027 yards with 24 passing touchdowns.
Not bad, for replacing a beloved two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback. Not bad, for a rookie.
Jones isn’t a rookie anymore. And while his numbers last season weren’t bad, his 3-9 record leaves plenty of room for improvement.
The potential is there with Jones, and the Giants have a new voice on their staff ready to help him reach it.
Jason Garrett, now in his first season as the Giants’ offensive coordinator, has the experience to help steer Jones in the right direction.
Yes, that Jason Garrett — the former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
While Garrett isn’t ready to discuss his departure from Dallas, he’s was, however, eager to offer his early observations of Jones.
“Since I’ve been here, he’s been a real joy to work with,” Garrett said on a Zoom call with the media. “There’s no question he is a football guy. He loves football. He’s always so prepared, he’s always studying his stuff, he always has great questions and wants to get better. My experience has been, when you have that kind of approach and that kind of attitude, if you have some ability, you’re going to keep growing and getting better every day, and he’s certainly done that.”
When it comes to helping Jones grow, Garrett has the credentials for the job. In 9½ season as the Cowboys’ head coach, he tutored productive quarterbacks Tony Romo and Dak Prescott. He was a backup quarterback for the Cowboys and Giants. Before elevating to the head coaching job in Dallas, Garrett was their offensive coordinator.
The Giants are starting fresh this season under new head coach Joe Judge. A regression for Jones, however, is a body blow to this team’s future. Garrett can help prevent that.
Garrett played behind Troy Aikman and Kerry Collins. He learned from coaches Jimmy Johnson, Jim Fassel, Nick Saban, Sean Payton, and Norv Turner. Garrett knows where Jones wants to go, and he has the chops to help get him there.
“I did have the opportunity to play quarterback throughout my life,” Garrett said, “so there’s no question in my mind I feel like there can be a connection there and I can relate to these guys, hopefully in a very natural way that can help them get better. Again, I’m excited to do that with Daniel. He’s been really fun to work with up to this point.”
Improving on ball security will be a primary area of focus for Jones this season. Jones can throw the deep ball, he can make the right pass, and, when it’s necessary, can move the pocket with his feet or get out and run with the ball. Ball security, however, is where he struggled tremendously.
Last season, Jones had an NFL-high 18 fumbles last year. For any NFL offensive player, that’s bad. But for an NFL starting quarterback, that’s catastrophic. The bottom line is Jones must cut down drastically on his turnovers and improve his ball security.
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The issue with ball security indicates Jones, while attempting to make a play, took too many hits. Garrett can work with Jones on his pocket awareness. He can help improve his focus when looking downfield to make a play.
When asked what moved Garrett to accept the offensive coordinator role for the Giants, he said the opportunity was too good to pass up.
Garrett’s experience will be his best tool for making Jones a better quarterback. And that’s what you want from a mentor, someone that’s been there.
If the goals are ultimately to get better, win, and be great at what you do – Jason Garrett can help Daniel Jones get there.
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