Super Bowl MVP sets expectations for Giants' Daniel Jones

New York Giants legend, Super Bowl XXI Most Valuable Player and current CBS Sports analyst Phil Simms believes Big Blue starting quarterback Daniel Jones could be in for more than just a solid season. 

"I think, physically, he’s going to be a better player this year," Simms said about Jones while speaking with Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic. "He was really good last year. As one person told me with great knowledge of what was going on there, he doesn’t miss. I don’t think that’s talked about." 

StatMuse shows that Jones led the NFL for the 2022 regular season with an interception percentage of 1.1 percent. Per ESPN stats, the 26-year-old also finished sixth among eligible players with a 62.9 adjusted QBR even though he tossed just 15 touchdown passes across 16 regular-season games. 

Jones added 708 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground en route to guiding the 2022 Giants to the playoffs. He's expected to do more with his arm this fall now that he has improved weapons such as tight end Darren Waller, wide receiver Parris Campbell and speedy rookie Jalin Hyatt. 

"His throwing is absolutely a big uptick," Simms continued about Jones. "He’s throwing it with more power. He just looks bigger and stronger. I’ve watched a lot of quarterbacks; the rotation he has on the football makes it very easy for receivers to catch." 

It was reported in late August that Jones is "more comfortable than expected returning to the same offensive system" embraced by head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.  Meanwhile, star running back Saquon Barkley recently said his QB1 has more "swagger" after the 2019 first-round draft pick signed a four-year contract this past March that could be worth up to $160M. 

As of Friday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Giants as having the third-best odds at +900 to win the NFC East behind the Philadelphia Eagles (-115) and Dallas Cowboys (+195). Big Blue went 9-7-1 last season before the club earned a road playoff win, and Simms made it known those within the Giants are looking for more than just a repeat campaign ahead of Sunday's Week 1 home matchup against the Cowboys. 

"I think they expect a better year, to win more games," Simms said about his former team. "Is their roster better? Absolutely."