Daniel Jones' massive improvement outside the pocket has Giants on verge of playoffs

The New York Giants are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2016, mainly due to the improved play of fourth-year quarterback Daniel Jones. 

Jones, who may be more athletic than he's given credit for, has finally started to use his legs effectively this season. Jones' massive improvements outside the pocket have yielded positive results for him and the Giants. According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Jones has completed 63.3 percent of his passes outside the pocket, throwing for 504 yards, with six touchdowns and zero interceptions. To put those numbers in context, Jones completed only 50 percent of his passes, throwing three touchdowns and four interceptions, over his first three seasons in the NFL, per Raanan. 

What should further excite the Giants is that Jones' game outside the pocket has improved without an increase in turnovers. Once a problem, turnovers are seemingly a thing of the past for Jones. After losing 28 fumbles and throwing 29 interceptions from 2019 to 2021, through 15 games, Jones has only five interceptions and four fumbles heading into Week 17's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. 

Earlier this month, Jones acknowledged to Raanan that he's improved in "decision-making situations," which has led to fewer turnovers. 

"Protecting the ball is a big part of the game at this position," Jones said. "So, I'll try to keep doing that as well as I can."

At 8-6-1, a playoff berth is painfully close for Jones and the Giants. 

The Giants can secure a playoff spot this weekend with a victory over the Colts and a little help.