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"Loud and clear a very, very big-time important message was delivered by Pat Shurmur before everyone goes away for the summer -- this is now a quarterback competition," Rapoport said on NFL Network. "For the first time, Pat Shurmur went out in public and used the words right now (Manning is the starter). Anytime a coach says right now, that means it's on. Even later, getting all the questions you would expect him to get, he essentially said have it. He has now opened up his training camp to be a full-fledged quarterback competition. "Either it is a competition or it's not. If it's not, you simply say Eli is the starter and Daniel Jones is going to sit and we'll address it when it becomes an issue. Or you do what Pat Shurmur said, which is, we'll play the best player, both the guys look good, and we'll see what happens. That makes it one of the more intriguing training camps and obviously shows the Giants love what they've seen from Daniel Jones." |
Pat Shurmur might as well have fired a starter's pistol into the air on Tuesday to signal the beginning of a quarterback controversy that will last through Giants training camp and beyond.
His words had the same jolting effect. After he was asked if rookie quarterback Daniel Jones could beat out Eli Manning and be the opening day starter, he could have just said "No."
Instead, he said this: "I think we are going to play the very best player and I know we are dancing around the words there. Right now, Eli is getting ready to have a great year and Daniel is getting ready to play. You see what happens with it."
As Shurmur well knew, that non-answer left a lot open to interpretation. He even said several times, "We are playing around the words" without saying words that would've been a direct and definitive answer. Maybe he just likes mysteries. Maybe he's just trying to give Jones hope to keep him working hard. Maybe he's trying to light a fire under the 38-year-old Manning.
Whatever it is, everyone can - and will - ascribe their own meaning and motivation to what Shurmur said at the end of spring practices. And until Shurmur clears it up, it means whatever you think it means.
But based on everything Shumrur and GM Dave Gettleman have said publicly and privately, according to sources, their hope is that Manning is their opening day starter and has the "outstanding year" that Shurmur said he is expecting. They sincerely believe the veteran quarterback gives them their best chance to make a playoff run, as long as he's on top of his game. They want to see that. They want him to be a success.
Then, they can huddle after the season and decide what the future holds.
That's their hope, anyway. But in reality, no one seems to be completely ruling out Jones starting on Opening Day in Dallas. Which begs the question that Shurmur won't answer: Does Jones really have a fair chance to win the job?
If he does, it won't be easy. He's the underdog and the odds are stacked pretty high against him. So other than an injury to Manning, here's what would have to happen this summer for the Jones Era to begin this fall:
The 5-step plan for how Daniel Jones could beat out Eli Manning in Giants QB battle - ( New Window )
I will say this. For Shurmur to make that comment (As well Shula making some ear opening statements) the Giants brass believe there is a shot Jones wins the job. Is it 30%? 50%? 15%? None of us know. But they definitely believe Jones may just completely outplay Eli in camp, which makes me excited about Daniel Jones.
However, if the Giants staff feels the offense is limited due to his skillset, then yes, Jones is the QB post-bye week, I believe that wholeheartedly.
But I would not rush Jones into the fray if the Giants are say 5-2 with close losses and wins. Rookie QB's struggle and taking a winning team may be asking a lot.
Whoever plays the best, plays, no matter the position.
It is a smart thing to say officially (even if behind the scenes we all know Eli will start the season, at least)
Best thing for me would be to purchase a winning lotto ticket too.
But I wouldn't count on it.
Summertime... as Gershwin wrote.
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Is if Daniel Jones plays so well in the preseason that Shurmur has no choice but to start Jones or he will lose the team. This is irrefutably the absolute best scenario for the future of the franchise. It will mean we are not in QB hell. It will mean a decade of being able to compete. It will mean 5 years of quality, cost controlled QB. Forgive me if when I hear the high praises for Jones and the hint of a QB competition, I run with it. I am a fan of the NY Giants.
Best thing for me would be to purchase a winning lotto ticket too.
But I wouldn't count on it.
Summertime... as Gershwin wrote.
My feelings exactly. Can we at least wait until we have seen a few preseason games to start declaring that this player or that player is winning a starting role? Some people seem to be looking for a definitive answer out of the coaches; how in the world can you make that kind of decision after a freaking mini camp in June??? Im rooting like hell for Jones, and Eli as well for that matter. But if Jones goes out an throws 4 ints in his first preseason game, then this whole topic is moot. Lets let the process play out a bit....I know there aint much going on football wise right now, but damn:)
People should seek out the truth and not get their information from "translated" articles and tweets from reporters with an agenda.
Amen.