Eli Manning: Why things will be easier for Daniel Jones in 2020

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones didn't have the best season in 2019, but he's prepared to have a much better year in 2020, and Eli Manning agrees.

The former Giants quarterback couldn't help but discuss Jones' growing role at the helm of the New York offense, and he sounds confident in the 22-year-old. In fact, Manning actually believes Jones will perform better this season because he's no longer a member of the team.

“I think it will be easier this year for him to kinda step up as that leader,’’ Manning said Monday on SiriusXM NFL Radio, according to the New York Post's Paul Schwartz. “Last year was probably awkward for him, me being there, me being in meeting rooms and just kinda the whole dynamic. Me being gone and hey, he is the quarterback, he is the guy, for him to have that control and the authority over receivers and offensive line.

“I think he’s proven to be tough and works hard, he’s done all the right things, he has gone in with that approach of keeping his head down and not saying more than he has to, working hard and earning the respect from the teammates. Now he can elevate that where now he’s in charge. The questions are coming to him from the coordinator, he’s gonna have to give his voice and his opinion on things.’’

Although Jones went 3-9 last season, he threw for 3,027 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 61.9 percent of his passes. That's actually not bad for a rookie quarterback, and hopefully, he can lead New York to a winning record in 2020. 

The 3-9 record wasn't entirely his fault either, it takes a team to win games, and the Giants as whole weren't great last season.

New York does have some talented players this year, so maybe they'll play better... but it will all come down to how they compete as a team. And with Joe Judge taking over, the Giants may be in store for their first winning season since 2016.