Quarterback Daniel Jones
July 27, 2021
Q: Hey Daniel, I know these days always have a first day back at school feel to them. I’m wondering if this feels like a square one day to you or does it feel like you’re building off of how you finished last year?
A: Yeah, I think it has elements of both to it. Obviously, a lot of guys are back and there are certainly things that we’re looking to improve, but at the same time we’re making sure not to overlook anything or assume anything when we’re starting day one here. It’s a new year, so we’re starting at step one and basic information and basic installs and going from there. That’s a process and we’re sticking to that.
Q: In terms of big picture, you come into this camp, what’s your mindset? Has it changed at all? Are you viewing things differently now or does this feel like the previous two camps that you’ve had?
A: I think it’s a similar mindset kind of like what we were saying earlier, start at step one, basic install, basic information and go from there. At this point, we don’t want to overlook anything, don’t want to assume anything and take every step one by one, and make sure we’re building this thing the right way. So that’s kind of my focus going in. I think it’s definitely nice to come in knowing a lot of these guys and having built a lot of chemistry with these guys whether it’s from last season, the season before, this spring or the summer, so certainly continue to build on that stuff. But in terms of today and this camp, we’re starting from step one.
Q: Hey Daniel, this is your first time in a few years that you’ve had the same offensive coordinator and the same system in back-to-back years. How valuable do you think that is for you and how much more comfortable do you feel in [Offensive Coordinator] Jason Garrett’s offense as you head into this season?
A: I think it’s valuable. I think it’s valuable for all of us. I think it’s the second year in the system under Coach Garrett and [Head] Coach [Joe] Judge. A lot of us are back and, like I said, have developed chemistry and know how to communicate with one another, but kind of the same theme, to start over and take it day by day, to start with step one and make sure we’re going about it the right way. We’ve got several new guys and had some time to get to know them during the spring and in the summer and we’ll continue to go from there, but definitely helps to be back with Coach Garrett, Coach Judge and a lot of the same guys.
Q: I’m just curious if you feel pressure. Do you feel pressure as your third training camp begins? Do you put any of that on yourself? And some people think that’s a little bit healthy to challenge yourself like that. I’m just wondering where you come down on that.
A: Yeah, I think at this level and in this job, we’re all expected to perform and play at a high level every day, and that starts today. I certainly feel that. I think everyone on the team does and I think that’s healthy, I think that’s the way it should be and I know we’re excited for the opportunity.
Q: Can I ask you about [Running Back] Saquon [Barkley]? I know you’re a good friend of his. My suspicion is you have an awful lot of confidence in Saquon. What do you expect for him as he goes through these next couple weeks and perhaps a little bit more of trying to get back with all of you on the practice field?
A: Yeah, just from the type of guy he is, he’s worked his tail off and doing everything he can. He’s listening to the trainers and the doctors and following their guidance for whatever they have him doing. He’s a tremendous worker, he’s focused and excited. Everyday he comes in here to take the next step, so he’s been doing great and it’s been fun to watch his progress.
Q: What did you learn last year in your first training camp with Joe Judge as far as his emphasis on conditioning? You guys did some hitting, some tackling, things like that. Was there any moment where you said, ‘Wow, this is a lot more running and conditioning and things than I’m used to in a training camp?’
A: Yeah, we’re definitely gonna run. I think that’s a big piece of what Coach Judge believes in and I think throughout the season we felt the advantages of that brought to us as a team and being in shape. What we do through this month, through these next few weeks, has a lot to do with the rest of the season. He preaches about the importance of that as it affects injuries and protecting us from injuries, just overall conditioning and health throughout the season. I know we all believe in that and that is certainly a big piece of this camp is to get in shape and get ready to play football.
Q: Not always the most fun though, right?
A: It’s not the most fun. Anyone who has had to condition has had, but we understand the benefits of it.
