Super Bowl XLII hero David Tyree added his name to the list of people who are suddenly big believers in New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
“I think the Giants are closer than I ever could imagine,” Tyree said on the latest edition of the “TMZ Sports” television program about Jones potentially guiding New York to a title this winter. “Let’s just be honest. I believe in all those guys who play at wide receiver, but I’m just as good as them and I was the third and fourth wide receiver on the roster. This is amazing what’s happening.”
Jones had castoffs such as Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton and Richie James serving as his top receivers (not counting running back Saquon Barkley) for Sunday’s wild-card playoff game at the Minnesota Vikings. The 25-year-old completed 24-of-35 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns in the 31-24 victory, and he added 78 yards on the ground.
Following Jones’ performance in Minnesota, Giants legend Eli Manning said that his replacement back in 2019 is “becoming elite.” Jones is also likely becoming more expensive for the Giants, as he can hit free agency when the new league year opens in March.
“We’re not gonna sit up here and say he deserves Deshaun Watson money, but he deserves that full-blown opportunity to represent this organization in the same manner that he did this year,” Tyree said about Jones. “He’s earned the right, he’s been dominant, he’s been consistent, he’s limited turnovers. He’s done everything you can ask a quarterback to do and he’s got the right temperament in the New York City market.”
Per ESPN stats, Jones finished the regular season seventh among qualified players with a 60.8 total QBR. He threw 15 touchdown passes and rushed for seven scores in 16 games, and ESPN’s Dan Graziano mentioned that Jones posted a league-best interception percentage of 1.1 percent.
Jones and the Giants next play at the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles Saturday night. Philadelphia finished the regular season at 14-3 and atop the overall NFC standings, and the Eagles beat the Giants twice from Week 14 through Week 18.
As for Tyree, Giants fans won’t soon forget his touchdown reception or his highlight-reel helmet grab that helped Big Blue stun the then-unbeaten New England Patriots in February 2008. They also hope his analysis on Jones proves to be spot-on as it pertains to at least the next several weeks.
