With the announcement that Tommy DeVito will take over starting duties under center on Sunday, when the 2-8 Giants host the 2-8 Buccaneers, the Daniel Jones era is over.
There have been more lows than highs during his six seasons, but here's a look at four of the most memorable in each category.
Peaks
January 15, 2023: The leading man
In his first and only career playoff victory — an upset win over the Vikings in an NFC Wild Card round game in January 2023 — Jones was nothing short of sensational. He completed 24 of 35 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for 78 more yards to lead the Giants to their first postseason win in 11 years.
September 22, 2019: First appearance in ages
Replacing Eli Manning in Week 3, Jones and the Giants were down by 18 in the first half against the Buccaneers and lost Saquon Barkley to a sprained ankle. Jones responded with three touchdown kicks in the second half, running it in from 7 yards out with 1:16 remaining to give the Giants their first lead of the game. Jones finished 23 of 36 for 336 yards and two touchdowns and ran for two more scores.
January 1, 2023: On standby, playoff bound
In Week 17, facing the Colts with a playoff berth on the line, Jones dazzled: 19-of-24 passing, 268 all-purpose yards and four total touchdowns. It was a defeat in the truest sense of the word – the final score 38-10 – and Jones received a curtain call from New York as game time approached.
October 3, 2021: Day 402
Jones let it fly all over the Superdome, going 28 of 40 for 402 yards, two touchdowns and one improbable win. Downing the Saints by 11 points midway through the fourth quarter, Jones led two scoring drives to tie it late in regulation and another TD drive in overtime.
Valleys
Monday: session
Only Tommy Catletts can save New York. once again.
November 10: The worst and the last
In what was likely his final appearance for the Giants, Jones threw two interceptions — the first at the Carolina 21-yard line, the second at the Carolina 8 — in an embarrassing 20-17 loss to the Panthers, widely considered the worst team. In the league.
November 5, 2023: Knee injury
In Jones' first game since returning from a three-game absence with a neck injury, the quarterback fell to the ground without being touched. An MRI the next day confirmed the worst: a season-ending tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
March 7, 2023: $160 million
Jones might say that this belongs to the tops. Giants fans may disagree, as Jones has gone just 3-13 points since receiving a four-year, $160 million deal. John Mara will recover the financial costs. The emotional scars will last a lifetime.
