Giants QB Daniel Jones learning to 'go down earlier' to avoid injuries

Throughout springtime workouts, new New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll has insisted that "it’s OK" for quarterback Daniel Jones to make mistakes in practices and that he wants Jones "to turn it loose" even though the 25-year-old tallied 29 interceptions and 20 lost fumbles over his first three pro seasons. 

Turnovers aren't the only concern hovering over Jones during a contract year for the signal-caller. He has yet to play in every game in any single campaign, and he suffered both a worrisome concussion and a long-term neck injury in 2021. That neck problem cost Jones the final six games of last season. 

One issue is that Jones is a speedy and smart runner who seemingly can hit a home run anytime he takes off and who has accumulated 1,000 career rushing yards across 172 total carries. However, he admitted while speaking with reporters he needs to be smarter about living to throw and run another down and day. 

"I think more than anything it’s just being aware in certain situations, and making the decision to go down earlier. I think there’s things you can watch on tape and learn from it, and I’ll continue to learn," Jones explained during comments, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. 

It's often said that the most important ability in sports is "availability," and Jones proving he can survive a full season without enduring any serious physical setback could go a long way toward him earning a second contract or the franchise-tag designation from the Giants next March.