Eli Manning: Daniel Jones’ second-year jump could be interrupted

Eli Manning says the 2020 season might not be all daisies and roses for Daniel Jones.

The two-time Super Bowl winning former Giants quarterback told the New York Post’s Steve Serby that Giants QB Daniel Jones’ progression into his second season could potentially run into difficulty.

Serby asked whether Jones’ progression would be interrupted, both football-wise and in terms of what impact COVID-19 could still have on the NFL world.

“It has the potential to be,” said Manning. “A couple of things could make it difficult in the fact that it’s gonna be a new offense that he’s gotta learn, and things get pushed back and you’re not there to be around your teammates. It’s not just him learning it, it’s kind of everybody learning it together. Hopefully they can get back soon and he can grow as a leader of the team.

Manning was also asked about Tom Brady and the Patriots dynasty. He’ll always be a valuable take on that one since he dethroned Brady and company twice, in 2007 and 2011.

“I was surprised, how it all worked out,” Manning said on Brady’s departure from New England. “I just did not imagine him leaving, them letting him go and him going somewhere else, just from my experience.”

“I don’t know if he felt unappreciated, or just wanted to try something different, but was surprised that this went down.”

Interestingly, Manning doesn’t think this is the end of the Patriots’ dynasty.

“I think they still have a very good team, a great defense, great coaches. Obviously Tom was a very important part on their success over the years, but I think they have kind of a way and they have a system that [Bill] Belichick has implemented there that I think will continue to find ways to have success, but it will be different.”