Darren Waller Believes Daniel Jones Can Return to 2022 Form Despite Challenges

Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller is confident that Daniel Jones can regain his previous form despite his disappointing 2023 season. Jones faces an uncertain future in New York with the Giants reportedly considering acquiring a new quarterback.

Former New York Giants tight end Darren Waller remains optimistic about Daniel Jones' future, believing he can return to the form that earned him a lucrative contract in 2022. Despite Jones' struggles in 2023, Waller is confident in his ability to bounce back.

In an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, Waller said, "I'm just excited for him to get another opportunity. I feel like he gets a bad rep. [In] 2022, man, [he] played such good football. Last year was his first opportunity to get out there and play on the new bag. … It was tough for us as an offense to protect him, and you can't put any quarterback back there and not have any protection and expect them to really, truly thrive in the pocket."

In 2022, Jones played exceptionally well, surpassing 3,000 passing yards and rushing for over 700 yards. He also accounted for 22 touchdowns. However, his 2023 season was marred by injuries, including a neck injury that forced him to miss three games and an ACL tear that ended his season in Week 9.

During the games he did play, Jones struggled significantly, accumulating only 909 passing yards with just two touchdowns and six interceptions. This was a stark contrast to his 2022 performance, where he threw for 15 touchdowns and just five interceptions in 16 starts.

The Giants' lackluster offensive performance in 2023 prompted head coach Brian Daboll to seek a new quarterback in the draft, expressing his willingness to trade up for Jayden Daniels. Ultimately, New York did not draft a signal-caller, instead signing former Seattle quarterback Drew Lock in free agency.

Jones' tenuous job security has drawn criticism from various analysts. Nick Wright believes that Jones' poor play does not warrant job security. "I don't think he's a player of the caliber that deserves job security," Wright said. "The only reason he would feel like he has job security is because the team was foolish enough to give him that contract."

Wright also pointed to John Schneider's comments on losing Drew Lock as an indication that Jones' job is in danger. "This John Schneider quote meant something to me when they lost Drew Lock," Wright recalled. "He said they basically sold him on the opportunity to compete to be the starter."

Keyshawn Johnson concurs that this season could be Jones' last in New York. "When they (the Giants) get to 2025, they could part ways with him if they decide, ‘Hey, there’s a better option in this situation,'" Johnson said. "This isn't 10 years ago in the National Football League where people were afraid to take blows to the salary cap. They'll do it in a heartbeat nowadays."

Despite these evaluations, Waller remains steadfast in his belief in Jones. "I know him for a fact," Waller added. "He's motivated and excited to get back out there, excited to lead. That's when you learn the most about dudes is responding to opportunities like this."

Waller's perspective serves as a reminder of the resilience and potential that Jones possesses. While his 2023 season was undoubtedly a setback, he has the opportunity to prove his worth and regain the form that made him one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the NFL. Time will tell if Jones can rise to the challenge and secure his future with the Giants.