Giants Daniel Jones says he has “options” within play calls

After NFL analyst Brian Baldinger wondered this week why the New York Giants did not audible out of a couple of running plays that went for big losses against the Chicago Bears, a question has been raised regarding whether or not rookie quarterback Daniel Jones has the authority to change plays at the line of scrimmage.

On Wednesday, Jones said he has “options.”

“Yeah, I mean, we have certain kinds of checks that are understood in practice, kind of options with the play,” Jones said “But yeah, I think that’s kind of the extent to which we’re checking.”

Jones expanded a bit on making those decisions as a first-year NFL player.

“I think like anything, I’m still learning a lot,” he said. “I think that’s a big part of it, is making sure that we’re in the right looks and the guys that need to be blocked are blocked and accounted for. So, yeah, I’ve got to continue to work on that.”

Coach Pat Shurmur also weighed in.

“We have run plays and adjustments,” Shurmur said. “I don’t think that’s the issue.”

So, that is something. Does it give us a clear picture? Not really. It sounds as if the rookie quarterback can make decisions within the play. The freedom to completely change what head coach Pat Shurmur sends in? I’m not sure about that.

Here are more takeaways from Jones’ media availability on Wednesday.

On throwing 11 TD passes to 1 INT over the last four games ...

“I think it’s part of what we’re doing on offense, especially in the red zone. I think we’ve had a good plan for it and we’ve been able to get open, and you’re just trying to find the open guy. But I think we’ve got to continue to work on that and I think, like I said, guys have stepped up and made plays and gotten open, gotten behind people. I think kind of across the board, we’ve done a good job of preparing for it and then executing.”

On dealing with losing seven straight games ...

“I think, as a team, we’ve done a good job of coming to work every day. I think, through it, we’ve had good practices, we’ve had guys staying focused, we’ve had guys continue to work through things and improve, so I think that’s been good. But I think there’s a lot to learn and there’s a lot to improve on and that’s what we’ve got to stay focused on, that’s what I’m focused on, but like I said, I think we have the right guys, and I think the way we’ve responded to it has been the right way, and I think that’s going to give us an opportunity to bounce back.”

On what he is thankful for this Thanksgiving ...

“I’m thankful to be here. I think just the opportunity to play football, continue to do it, to be here, to be part of this organization and with these teammates.”