In terms of public perception, the New York Giants can't seem to win with their recent quarterback decisions. First they were mocked for selecting Daniel Jones at No. 6 overall in 2019 NFL Draft. Now they're getting ridiculed for not creating a true training camp battle between the rookie and starter Eli Manning.
But here's the twist: General manager Dave Gettleman and coach Pat Shurmur might actually know what they're doing. The lack of a real QB competition does not mean Jones and Manning are not competing, or that the rookie is not developing, both at a high level.
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These situations involving rookie QBs are not created equal in the NFL. The Cardinals know Kyler Murray is already their best option in an offense familiar to him. The Redskins realize Dwayne Haskins is capable of outplaying Case Keenum. On the flip side, the Broncos know Drew Lock is not anywhere near ready to start over Joe Flacco.
With Jones and Manning, a unique combination, the Giants are playing it right. At this stage of their careers, with Jones trying to unlock his passing skills and Manning fighting against full decline, camaraderie is more critical than competition.
At 6-5, 221 pounds, Jones was drafted by the Giants in part because his make-up, both mentally and physically, matches that of the 6-5, 218-pound Manning. They are cut from the same college offense and even the same college coach, David Cutcliffe, 15 years apart. There is meaning in their working together rather than against each other.
"I told Daniel that you are amazingly fortunate to come into the league and be able to study under a player the caliber of Eli Manning," Cutcliffe said while representing Duke at last week's ACC Kickoff in Charlotte. "It's the experience — there’s no coach in that league who can tell him what Eli Manning can tell him about being successful playing quarterback in the league.
"And they already have a relationship, so it should work really well."
Patience is not a virtue in the NFL, especially when it comes to the high demands of New York and in a division like the NFC East. Despite Saquon Barkley exploding last season as the rookie No. 2 overall pick, many remain convinced the Giants will regret not drafting Sam Darnold, instead. Trying to prove people wrong with Jones as quickly as possible is not a good reason to rush him into action.
While Jones learns behind Manning, the rookie is getting extra coaching to accelerate his path to readiness, just as Shurmur has suggested. This setup also removes the possibility of the unreasonable pressure that comes with a rookie QB being asked to immediately save a franchise.
As usual, Manning has been unflappable in taking the barrage of criticism that comes his way these days. Given the backlash of the Jones pick, the Giants are smart to let Manning absorb the heat while being a willing mentor to Jones. The team also knows it is not going to suddenly win big with the rookie as the starter in 2019. Manning was not as bad last season as many think he was; the defense, which is further depleted this year, was the biggest culprit for its 5-11 record.
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As Manning works directly with his successor, logic suggests the veteran should be pushed to play well in his second full season in Shurmur and Mike Shula's offense, fully aware of how much he can lean on Barkley. And while the Giants no longer have Odell Beckham Jr., the trio of Sterling Shepard, Evan Engram and Golden Tate flanking Barkley is far from the worst receiving situation in the NFL.
There will be a time for the transition from Manning to Jones to go into full effect, and that time will be soon. But the time is not now.
