Daniel Jones Throws Two Interceptions in Giants’ Loss to Opponents

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones faced a challenging return to the field after recovering from a torn ACL. He struggled in his first game back, contributing to a 28-10 defeat against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Saturday. In the first quarter alone, Jones threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, setting a disappointing tone for the game.

This was Jones’s first quarter of gameplay since his knee injury in November. During his first three drives, he threw two interceptions and nearly added a third during his opening pass. Reflecting on the series of mistakes, Jones acknowledged, “Obviously first quarter didn’t go how we wanted it. Bad decision and a bad throw [on the interception for a touchdown].”

By the end of the game, Jones completed 11 of 18 passes for 138 yards, lacking both touchdowns and a clear showcase of his potential. However, in the second half, he managed to guide the team on two scoring drives.

The troubling moment came during Jones’s second drive. Under pressure from Houston’s Derek Barnett while in the end zone and facing a possible safety, he attempted to pass to tight end Theo Johnson in the left flat. That decision backfired when Texans safety Jalen Pitre intercepted the ball at the Giants’ 6-yard line and easily ran it into the end zone.

After the game, Jones admitted he should have just thrown the ball at his receiver’s feet instead of risking the dangerous throw. This mistake was one he believed should not be made by a quarterback with his experience. Coach Brian Daboll reinforced this sentiment, stating, “Made a poor decision backed up.”

On the subsequent drive, Jones faced further trouble when trying to connect with a well-covered Jalin Hyatt down the right sideline. Houston cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. executed a remarkable diving interception while matching Jones’s throw step for step. Coach Daboll was more lenient on this play, viewing it as a case of a good defender making a great play, albeit with Jones’s throw being too well-placed for Stingley to capitalize on.

Despite getting off to a rough start, Jones began to settle down before halftime, though much of the Texans’ defense consisted of backups by then. He connected with wide receiver Darius Slayton for a 44-yard gain deep down the left sideline, positioning the Giants at the 1-yard line. Two plays later, running back Devin Singletary scored a touchdown.

Just before halftime, the Giants added a field goal after a productive two-minute drive. Jones expressed satisfaction at being able to execute positively and move the offense during that time, remarking, “It felt good to execute and move the ball there in the two-minute drive. Guys made some big-time plays out there.”

Among those shining moments was rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who made four catches totaling 54 yards. One of his standout plays included an impressive leaping grab near the sideline that advanced the ball and set up the field goal before the half.

While some might consider Jones’s shaky start as typical rustiness after nine months out of action, others were more skeptical. This match marked his first real competition since the knee injury sustained on November 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he had been unable to experience the intensity of a live game.

Most notably, Jones appeared agile, executing a 12-yard run without taking severe hits. He exited the game without any sacks or significant injuries, a promising aspect of his health after the ACL recovery. “I feel good physically. Knee felt really good,” Jones said, expressing his gratitude towards those who supported his recovery journey. “Excited to be out there. Grateful for all the people who helped me get to this point. All the doctors and trainers and staff that have helped. It was fun to be out there.”