Giants legend Eli Manning discusses faith in Daniel Jones

New York Giants legend Eli Manning spoke with media members at a Guiding Eyes for the Blind event on Tuesday and insisted he still believes Daniel Jones can be the club's long-term answer at quarterback. 

"Obviously the injuries, it’s not fun," Manning said about Jones, per Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. "But I know he’s determined. I know he wants to be in New York, and it’s not an easy place to play, but he has the mindset, he has the mentality. And I know he will do everything possible to get back and to get back to playing at a high level."

Specifically, Jones has missed a total of nine games since 2021 due to worrisome neck issues, and the 26-year-old most recently suffered a torn ACL on Nov. 5. His play when healthy this campaign also sparked concerns, as ESPN stats show he would've finished the regular season ranked 28th in the league with a 36.4 adjusted QBR had he been among qualified players. 

Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka may already have one foot out the door, and analysts such as Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports continue to predict the club could select Jones' replacement in the upcoming NFL Draft. Manning believes Jones will do well to put such potential distractions out of mind as he works toward ideally being ready to participate in training camp. 

"I’ve seen Daniel a few times last week," Manning added during his comments. "I know he’s in the training room, he wants to heal up and I know one thing with Daniel, every time he’s had something he’s wanted to improve on or he’s had something on his mind to get better he goes and does it. I think he’ll rehab and control what you can control, keep his mind focused on getting better and trying to prepare to be the starting quarterback for the Giants next year."

Jones likely will remain with the Giants through at least 2024 due to the four-year contract he signed last March. Whether or not head coach Brian Daboll will keep Jones atop the depth chart for Week 1 this September, assuming the 2019 first-round draft choice is able to play by then, shall be seen.