Ex-NFL exec on Daniel Jones: His 'toughness, courage, competitiveness ... ignite his team'

Heading into the 2022 season, it seemed that New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was on his last leg. 

Through three seasons, he seemed far from the quarterback New York expected when it took him No. 6 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. Especially compared to quarterback Kyler Murray — who went No. 1 overall in the same draft — Jones looked to have all the makings of a bust.

And then Brian Daboll became his head coach. And then the Giants started their season 5-1 with consecutive wins over the Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens.

And suddenly, the man they call "Danny Dimes" doesn't look all that much like a bust, does he?

In fact, former NFL executive Bill Polian writes on The 33rd team, that Jones is a massive reason for New York's early-season success.

"Giant fans are asking, 'Who’s the guy wearing Daniel’s No. 8?' ", Polian wrote. "Let’s start with physical and mental toughness. He takes hits and gets back up punching. Coach Daboll has helped him with a creative scheme. Jones is blessed with a superior arm and can make every throw. But his accuracy, field vision, and poise in the pocket have all improved markedly under Daboll and the offensive staff."

That's quite an evaluation of Jones as the quarterback, but Polian — general manager of the Indianapolis Colts from 1998 to 2009 and team president from 2009 until 2011 — thinks Jones the football player plays an even bigger role for New York.

"His toughness, courage, competitiveness and enthusiasm ignite his team," Polian said.

The former NFL GM didn't go as far as crowning Jones and the Giants the kings of the NFC East, but it is worth noting that the Giants are neck-in-neck with the 6-0 Philadelphia Eagles and will have a chance to play Philly in mid-December and early January, respectively.