There are a lot of threads about why Jones should play, I want to take a different angle and talk about why he can start.
He was the most polished prospect coming out in recent memory as a 4 year duke player and three year starter under Coach Cut
He is used to being on the lesser talented team from his time at duke
He has shown he can stand up to criticism and not be phased
He has shown he can take a NFL hit
He has mobility that will help his lack of NFL experience
He has shown he has great accuracy which helps when your WRs don’t get a lot of separation
Did I miss anything?
A few other benefits. With Eli relieved of starter duties, he can spend more time with Jones showing him the way. I feel like Jones has been instructed to watch but not bother Eli. Also we will have the best backup in the league if he gets hurt.
I don’t know if he gives the team the better chance to win game 1 of his career, but that wasn’t even a possibility when we were talking about Webb and Lauletta. I feel pretty confident that by game 6 or 7 of his career, that will no longer be a question.
I also don’t know how waiting a few extra weeks will help him at all.
Not saying that he can't work on it or hasn't in the past 2 weeks, but based on his preseason games, he has not demonstrated proficiency to play under center.
I think you have your answer. He needs more of it. At some point, though, he will be thrown into the deep end of the pool and learn to swim.
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Not sure how he can improve on those much without playing time in games or practice
I think you have your answer. He needs more of it. At some point, though, he will be thrown into the deep end of the pool and learn to swim.
Why shouldn't that point be now, though? The only thing you risk by putting him out there is losses, and they're already going a bang up job there. With no expectations of him, it's basically free on the job training.
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Not sure how he can improve on those much without playing time in games or practice
I think you have your answer. He needs more of it. At some point, though, he will be thrown into the deep end of the pool and learn to swim.
More of what? Playing time?
That’s what we are looking for.
He is not going to solve the ball security issue in practice. Sure he can get work under center with the back up C in the scout team, but won’t get synced with halipino until he is that starter and can rep with him.
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In comment 14581168 ron mexico said:
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Not sure how he can improve on those much without playing time in games or practice
I think you have your answer. He needs more of it. At some point, though, he will be thrown into the deep end of the pool and learn to swim.
Why shouldn't that point be now, though? The only thing you risk by putting him out there is losses, and they're already going a bang up job there. With no expectations of him, it's basically free on the job training.
I think there is value in DJ practicing. When the offense is full go, then insert DJ. The Giants have been careful to control the narrative about DJ. No need to toss him out there throwing to Benny and Co. In 2 more weeks, Tate will be back. Shep should be cleared. 2 more weeks of losses by Eli won't hurt DJ's maturation and confidence. We just might be able to pull the unthinkable and win. Shocking, I know. But if we are .500 after the first quarter of the season, then it won't be a complete disaster.
And it sounds like shep will be back this week.
If anything, there would be zero impact to his confidence - he has every excuse in the world in his favor if he fails to perform. If he does well, he's a rock star.
There's no downside to starting him ASAP.