Daniel Jones outlook
By: Jake Rajala
Daniel Jones sputtered out in the Big Apple, where he unleashed a 2-8 record and threw 8 touchdowns to seven interceptions. Somehow, his luck hasn’t ended. He is given another opportunity to start!
Things are on Daniel’s side right now, as former first-round pick Anthony Richardson will miss Colts mini-camp with an injury to his throwing shoulder. Not only has Richardson suffered an injury now, but he has been hurt before.
In Week 5 of 2023, he required shoulder surgery for his right shoulder. He has missed 16 combined games from his first two seasons.
The one, key advantage that Richardson still has over Jones is his legs. He ran for 6 TDs and 499 rushing yards last season. It’s hard to slow down Richardson, especially with Jonathan Taylor in the backfield. Jones had Saquon Barkley in his corner, yet he wasn’t quite able to capitalize off the play-action or checking down to his RB.
Daniel’s best season came in 2022. He led his squad to a 9-6-1 record. He also threw 15 TDs to 5 ints. He didn’t elevate his game, to say the least. He went 1-5 and threw for 2 TDs to 5 ints in 2023.
It won’t help Jones that his pass protection isn’t that daunting. The GMEN ranked 22nd in sacks allowed last season.
The biggest positive for Jones is that he has impressive toys in his back pocket. Michael Pitman Jr. and Alec Pierce are a Top-10 WR duo in my opinion.
Even with Jones in the QB room with Richardson, they may be able to utilize both. Richardson could come in like a Taysom Hill role.
In the end, I expect Richardson to lock up the job. Sure, Richardson has had growing pains. Nonetheless, Jones has failed many times to be an above-average, franchise QB. Richardson can be a menace with his legs and deep arm strength. He just needs to learn how to take care of the football and follow through his reads, so he can get quick completions.
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