‘Make-or-Break': Jones’ Next Six Games Will Define Future in New York

Daniel Jones is set to return to the field for the New York Giants.

The Giants' franchise QB confirmed to Kay Adams Tuesday morning that he has been cleared to play, and barring any setbacks, will be suiting up for Big Blue this weekend when the team visits the Las Vegas Raiders. This update is an especially welcome one this week, as backup QB Tyrod Taylor was hospitalized on Sunday with an injury of his own, and likely wouldn't have been available to play/

Now that Jones is set to return to the field, however, it's officially "make-or-break" time for New York's $40 million man.

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Next Six Games Will Be 'Make-or-Break' for New York Giants' QB Jones

For the remainder of the 2023 season for the New York Giants, the results of the games are a secondary concern. New York is not going to be a playoff team, which is certainly a disappointment, but could also be viewed as an opportunity.

My point here is this: by the end of this season, you need answers to your biggest questions, and no question looms larger than your plan at QB moving forward.

With Daniel Jones returning to play this weekend, here are the next six opponents that he will face as a member of the Giants:

• at Las Vegas Raiders
• at Dallas Cowboys
• at Washington Commanders
• vs. New England Patriots
• Bye Week
• vs. Green Bay Packers
• at New Orleans Saints

Aside from the game against the Cowboys, this upcoming stretch of games presents many opportunities for the Giants to win games, and for Jones to play well. If he can return to the field, stay healthy, and return to the form that fans saw last season, then the Giants can justify giving Jones another opportunity to start in 2024.

On the flip side, if that doesn't happen...oh boy.

If Jones returns to the field, but cannot find his form against teams like the Packers and Patriots, then you have to make a permanent change under center very soon.

Joe Schoen would then be wise to use the top draft pick, which his team would receive if Jones continued to struggle, on a new franchise quarterback. Jones could remain with the team to start the 2024 season, and at some point during the year, the team would transition from Jones to their new rookie QB.

Of course, as a fan, I'd personally rather see Jones succeed this year. That said, I would rather know that he's not the answer moving forward, than end the 2023 season asking the same questions about him as I have in seasons past.