Daniel Jones has been told he’s the New York Giants’ starting quarterback going forward, but he declined to say if coach Brian Daboll has given him assurances about how long that will remain the case if the offense’s struggles continue.
Jones was benched for Drew Lock during the fourth quarter of the Giants’ 28-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. The following day, Daboll said that Jones will be under center when the Giants (2-5) visit the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) next Monday night.
Both said Thursday that the two have spoken this week, but declined to provide details of what was said about Jones’ job security.
“We went over the game, watched the film and spoke about the game,” Jones said. “I’ll leave a lot of that private. But, like I said, I’m getting ready to play Pittsburgh.
“Obviously, no one’s happy about the way the game went last week. I think there’s a number of issues that we’re all looking to address and improve. That’s what we got to do. Starting with me, I’m taking that approach. But we’re moving forward this week. I think that’s our mindset.”
The Giants enter Week 8 ranked 28th in total offense, averaging 290.7 yards per game, while the passing game is 23rd at 189.1 yards per game. After an impressive 29-20 upset at Seattle in Week 6, New York has scored a combined 10 points in consecutive losses.
Lock also struggled while playing from multiple scores down and behind an offensive line that struggles to pass protect.
Asked if he has provided Jones any reassurances about his job security, Daboll offered only that “we’ve had conversations. Those would be private conversations, and our focus is on getting ready to play Pittsburgh.”
The offensive line has surrendered 22 sacks through seven games, and Jones has been sacked once every 11.4 pass attempts. He also has a paltry 44.9 passer rating when under pressure, according to data analytics company Inside Edge.
Meanwhile, the Steelers enter with the league’s eighth-ranked defense and have 15 sacks to go with 13 takeaways this season.
The Giants’ protection issues have been magnified by the season-ending injury to left tackle Andrew Thomas. Joshua Ezeudu is in line to make his second consecutive start in Thomas’ place, with Christopher Hubbard also under consideration.
The team worked out veteran offensive tackle DJ Humphries this week. He wasn’t immediately signed, with Daboll saying only that, “He’s a good young man. We had a good visit with him. So, we’ll see where that goes.”
Another glaring disparity is the Giants’ 2-1 record on the road compared to going winless through their first four home games while averaging 7.75 points. They return to the road on Monday night, although it will be at Pittsburgh, which is a notoriously difficult venue in prime-time games.
“Good defense, tough place to play,” Jones said. “Obviously, we’ve heard about it. But we’re focused on us. I think putting so much time and energy into them and what they do — I’m focused on us and playing well as a group together. Getting back to doing a lot of the things we were doing and then improving those from there.
“Obviously, last week, not a good game. But at points, we’ve played with the rhythm, executed. We got to get back to that and that’s what we’re focused on.”
The Giants could be thin at cornerback, with Adoree Jackson (neck), Tre Hawkins III (ankle) and Cor’Dale Flott (groin) all sitting out practice again Thursday. Also sidelined were punter Jamie Gillan (hamstring), defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence (hip), and linebacker Ty Summers (ankle). Lawrence leads the NFL with nine sacks.
Outside linebacker Brian Burns (groin), who has four sacks and six tackles for loss, was able to participate as was wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles).
“Still just trying to make sure everything is smooth for Sunday, but yeah, I feel better,” Burns said.
