by Spiro Kasabian @nyspawtsguy_spi
Daniel Jones is bulking up and adding weight to play a more physical game if Joe Judge and Jason Garrett are true to their word. Jones will be definitely be playing a more physical game in 2020 than he did in 2019.
Coach Judge has repeatedly said that the New York Giants will be implementing an offense very much like the one Garrett ran down in Dallas during his tenure there. If that is the case, expect Daniel Jones to use his speed and athleticism more than he did under Pat Shurmur.
Strength gain has benefits, especially in order to do handle the rigors of being an NFL quarterback. He added 8 + pounds of muscle to his already prototypical 6’5” 220 LB frame.
Tuck it and run:
A more solid frame will help him deal with fumbles, average velocity on throws, and injury issues. For comparison’s sake, Dak Prescott plays at a 235-240 LB weight, which allows him to take the beating that mobile NFL quarterbacks typically take. If Jason Garrett fancies Jones to be a Dak duplicate, expect Jones to be on the move.
Prescott has run the ball an average of 60 times a year over his first four years (Jones ran the ball 45 times last year in 13 games). While Jones was on a similar running pace in 2019, Dak primarily was running the ball in short-yardage situations. Prescott has compiled 21 rushing TDs along with gaining first downs on 49 carries over the last two years.
Jones ran for only two TDs and 21 first downs. The hope is that the added muscle will help cut Jones’ fumbles down as well. With added grip strength (better Offensive Tackle play) and more functional strength, Jones can avoid plays like the Jamal Adams strip last year during the Jets game. Adams simply stole the ball out of Jones’ hands and took it back for what ended up being a difference-making defensive TD.
That is a play that can be easily avoided with preparation. The weight gain will also help in the passing game as well. With a bulked-up lower-half, Jones can use his legs more to drive the ball, which will only help with his velocity.
Any extra MPH Jones can add to his throws will add to his ability to throw the ball down the field and in tougher weather conditions which is standard for MetLife Stadium. New York Giant fans can expect to see a more cut and physical No. 8 in 2020. I know Dak is a guy all Giant fans love to hate, but if he can shape his game to match or even succeed Prescott’s, I think we would all sign up for that.