Daniel Jones
AP Photo

New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur addresses Daniel Jones’ critics after preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

On Thursday, the New York Giants defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in their third preseason game by a score of 25-23. The starters played much of the first half, with the exception of quarterback Eli Manning. The 16-year veteran only played one series, with Daniel Jones playing the rest of the opening half.

Jones completed nine of his 11 throws for 141 yards and showed great ball placement and poise in the pocket. After the game, head coach Pat Shurmur explained to the media that they shouldn’t ask him about Jones, but instead, ask the rookie’s critics. Then again, the former Duke Blue Devil has been silencing a lot of them with his play thus far.

Jones is now 25-of-30 (83.3%) for 369 yards and two touchdowns thus far in the preseason. He’s also lost two fumbles but hasn’t thrown an interception yet.

Manning went 4-for-8 for 41 yards on the opening drive, which resulted in a 41-yard field goal from third-year placekicker Aldrick Rosas.

The second half saw offensive drives from veteran quarterbacks Alex Tanney and Kyle Lauletta. Both will be competing for the final quarterback spot on the roster, as the Giants most likely won’t keep four quarterbacks.

The Giants have won each of their three preseason games thus far. They play their fourth and final exhibition game when they travel to Foxborough, MA to take on the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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Ryan Honey is a staff writer and host of the Wide Right Podcast.