Daniel Jones' Woeful Preseason Raises Concerns About His Starting Status

After a dismal preseason performance marked by two interceptions and a completion percentage of 61.1%, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones faces the threat of losing his starting job to Drew Lock by Week 6, according to former NFL offensive lineman Mark Schlereth.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has plenty to regret about his team's disastrous 28-6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. The fourth-year signal-caller completed just 22 of 42 passes for 186 yards and two interceptions, one of which was a careless screen pass that was returned for a touchdown by Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.

Jones' dismal outing has raised serious questions about his ability to lead the Giants to success in the upcoming season. While Jones has shown flashes of potential in the past, his inconsistency has been a major concern, and his poor performance in the preseason has only heightened those worries.

Daniel Jones' Woeful Preseason Raises Concerns About His Starting Status

Former NFL offensive lineman and current ESPN analyst Mark Schlereth believes that Jones' struggles could cost him his starting job by Week 6. Schlereth pointed to Jones' lack of accuracy and poor decision-making as major red flags.

"I think Daniel Jones is on a very short leash right now," Schlereth said. "His performance in the preseason was unacceptable, and he didn't show any signs of improvement in Week 1. If he continues to play this way, I think Drew Lock is going to take over as the starting quarterback by Week 6."

Daniel Jones' Woeful Preseason Raises Concerns About His Starting Status

While Jones has been given a vote of confidence by Giants head coach Brian Daboll, the clock is ticking for the young quarterback to turn things around. With Lock, a former second-round pick of the Denver Broncos, waiting in the wings, Jones needs to show significant improvement in the coming weeks or he could find himself on the bench.

The Giants' offense struggled mightily against the Vikings, with Jones' struggles being a major factor. Only kicker Graham Gano managed to score points for the G-Men, going 2-for-2 on field goal attempts.

Daniel Jones' Woeful Preseason Raises Concerns About His Starting Status

The Vikings, on the other hand, had a field day on offense. Veteran quarterback Sam Darnold, who was acquired from the Carolina Panthers in the offseason, was impressive, completing 19 of 24 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns.

Wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor each caught touchdown passes, while running back Aaron Jones, who was signed from the Green Bay Packers in free agency, added another touchdown on the ground.

Daniel Jones' Woeful Preseason Raises Concerns About His Starting Status

The Giants' defense also had a rough outing, allowing the Vikings to score touchdowns on their first three possessions of the game. The Giants' secondary was particularly vulnerable, with Jefferson and Nailor both exploiting mismatches in coverage.

The disappointing loss to the Vikings was a sour way to start the Giants' 100th season. The team had celebrated the occasion with a pregame ceremony honoring its legendary players, including Eli Manning, Lawrence Taylor, and Michael Strahan.

Daniel Jones' Woeful Preseason Raises Concerns About His Starting Status

The Giants will look to bounce back next week when they face the Carolina Panthers at home. However, with Jones' future as the starter in jeopardy, the Giants may need to make a change at quarterback sooner rather than later.