Quarterback Daniel Jones delivered the best half of his career Sunday, leading the New York Giants from 20-0 and 28-7 deficits to a win over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Giants outscored the awful Cardinals 31-8 in the second half, with Jones shouldering the offensive load. New York matched its largest comeback in franchise history by overcoming a 21-point deficit.
Per The Athletic, Jones also accomplished a feat no other quarterback in NFL history has in a half:
Sunday, Daniel Jones became the first QB to
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 18, 2023
◽️ Throw for over 250 yards
◽️ Rush for over 50 yards
◽️ Throw for 2+ TDs
◽️ Rush for a TD
◽️ Not turn the ball over
In a single .
What a difference a week (and a half) makes.
H/T @OptaStats pic.twitter.com/ijgYkVQf6Q
Afterward, Jones was quick to credit nearly everyone except himself.
"I think we did a great job creating some of those opportunities," Jones told the media. "Guys did a really good job making plays, and [the] offensive line did a really good job the whole game, especially there in that second half."
In the season's first six quarters, the Dallas Cowboys and Cardinals outscored New York by a combined 60-0, with Jones significantly contributing to his team's struggles. He seemed far removed from the play expected of a $160 million quarterback, but in the second half against Arizona, he flipped the switch.
"Do not disrespect Danny Dimes," former NFL wide receiver Greg Jennings said . "Daniel Jones in that second half rose to the occasion."
Daniel Jones in the 2nd half v. Cardinals
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) September 18, 2023
17/21 259 yards 12.3 Y/A 2 TD
8 rushes 58 yards 1 TD
All of his throws & runs from those 5 scoring drives pic.twitter.com/KOFm6NVWSs
The Giants (1-1) face a challenging road ahead, beginning Thursday night on the road against the San Francisco 49ers (2-0). With running back Saquon Barkley's status in limbo due to an ankle injury, Jones will be under even more pressure to deliver. After playing San Francisco, the Giants will return home to play the Seattle Seahawks, followed by away games against the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.
To build off this momentum and stay afloat in the NFC East, where Dallas, Philadelphia and Washington are all 2-0, the Giants need more incredible performances from "Danny Dimes."
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!