Daniel Jones explodes while leading the New York Giants to a stunning 32-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
- New York Giants 32 (1-2)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31 (1-2)
- NFL, Final, Box Score
- Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
It has begun. The Daniel Jones era is officially real. Forget just kicking it off; the New York Giants are now flying with something great to look forward to the rest of the 2019 NFL season.
A scramble from the pocket on 4th-and-5 with 1:16 to go in the game provided the Giants with a 32-31 lead and eventual victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A missed 34-yard field goal by Matt Gay cemented the remarkable Jones-led victory.
Jones, 22, played as great a debut game as is nearly possible. Finishing with 336 yards and two touchdowns on 23-of-36 passing to go along with 28 yards and two scores on the ground, the kid led the charge in the team’s first victory of the season.
The game started like so many Giants games do these days: with a poor defensive effort. The Bucs scored touchdowns on each of their first two possessions.
A Mike Evans 21-yard reception provided the Bucs with their first score.
After Jones led the Giants to a field goal, Evans did it again.
Evans destroyed James Bettcher’s defense all afternoon, including the big one late in the game that led to the eventual (what should have been) game-winning field goal. He finished the day with an incredible 190 yards and three touchdowns on eight receptions.
The familiar story that is horrible Giants defensive football continued, despite the flash of brilliance from the young signal-caller. Winston finished with 380 yards and three scores on 23-of-37 passing.
The worst bit of news surrounds Saquon Barkley, who left the game in the first half and did not return. It’s speculated to be an ankle injury.
As for Jones, he spread the ball around nicely. Seven different Giants caught a pass. Evan Engram led the way with 113 yards and a score on seven grabs while Sterling Shepard trailed with 100 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions.
Despite falling behind 28-10 at halftime, Pat Shurmur’s squad didn’t give up. The 22 second-half points could be answered by a lone Tampa field goal.
Next up for the 2-1 New York Giants, with franchise quarterback Daniel Jones at the helm, will be the Washington Redskins at MetLife Stadium, next Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.