The New York Giants have been one of the biggest surprises of the NFL season so far. After many years of mediocrity, little was expected for 2022 - even after acquiring hotshot offensive-minded coach Brian Daboll.
But in what has been an insane turnaround from 2021, the Giants have been incredibly effective, winning six of their seven games this season as they sit in second place in the NFC behind the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.
In the 2018 NFL Draft, running back Saquon Barkley entered the league as the second-overall selection with many stating that he's the best prospect at the position in years. Although he has had his moments, he has largely struggled to stay on the field after numerous injuries. This year, though, he is arguably the offensive player of the season and is a big reason as to why the Giants have performed so well.
But quarterback Jones deserves credit too, though, although he hasn't put up earth-shattering numbers, Jones has done enough each game to keep the Giants in games and has thrown six touchdowns to just two interceptions.
During a debate on ESPN's Get Up, a discussion was held on who deserves the most credit for the Giants success, with former Jets head coach Rex Ryan stating that Jones is a huge factor as to why they are where they are.
Ryan said: "He actually has a real NFL coach now and he has a chance to be that player who can ascend and we're starting to see it. He's playing great in big moments. They put it in his hands and he comes through.
"They have a real NFL coach, Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones - they are the three reasons that the Giants are 6-1."
Former quarterback Dan Orlovsky disagreed, putting the Giants success on the shoulders of the defence, the running game (Barkley) and head coach Daboll.
He said: "Daniel Jones the only thing is not doing it is turning it over but they throw seven passes in the second half yesterday and one in the fourth quarter... of course he's not turning the ball over!"
Host of the show, Mike Greenberg, said: "He has no-one on their team who can catch the football. No-one. His numbers would have looked so much different if his guys could catch the football - they gave up throwing because these guys can't catch." Orlovsky responded saying: "They're trying to win games and they're playing great defence and running the football."
Coach Ryan then made an astute point, comparing the situation to that of former MVP Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback has played the position at an extremely high level over the past four seasons whilst being viewed as a limited thrower.
Jackson was named MVP in the 2019 season because of his abilities running the football. When teams would play against Jackson, they would then add more linebackers on to the field in an attempt to halt Jackson's running threat and keep him in the pocket - this would be when Jackson would find more success throwing the football.
This season, it's been a similar story for Jones - who has racked up 343 rushing yards in seven games - more than anyone else in the league not named Lamar Jackson.
It's a facet of his game which has been added this year, with coach Daboll using Jones' rushing ability to open up the passing game, as well using elite talent Saquon Barkley effectively at running back.
This is a tactic that coach Daboll used with his former team, the Buffalo Bills where he was the offensive playcaller for Josh Allen, who has quickly become one of, if not the best, quarterbacks in the NFL.
And in response to Orlovsky's point on Jones' running ability rather than him passing, Ryan said: "We praise Lamar Jackson for running the football effectively... all he did was win the MVP. He's not as explosive as Lamar Jackson, but if you look at his numbers, Jones is better in the fourth quarter this season."
The Giants will face the Seattle Seahawks this weekend, who have also been one of the surprises of the season, after trading away their starting quarterback Russell Wilson and were expected to struggle in a rebuilding year. However, after victories over the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers, they come into the game against the Giants as favourites to win the game.
