Giants, seeking ‘spark,’ pull Daniel Jones in loss to Eagles

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants pulled starting quarterback Daniel Jones early in the fourth quarter to “create a spark,” coach Brian Daboll said after a 28-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium.

Daboll on Sunday said Jones will remain his starting quarterback ahead of Drew Lock, who also didn’t have much success, and the coach reiterated that again Monday.

“[Jones is] the starter,” Daboll said Monday.

The Giants will play on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers next Monday night.

“We made a change in the fourth quarter when it was 28-3 — we had 100 yards — just to create a spark,” Daboll said. “Daniel will be the quarterback going forward.”

Said Jones of the move: “I was frustrated. Didn’t like it, obviously.”

The Giants (2-5) finished with 119 total yards in the loss, which saw star running back Saquon Barkley haunt his former team on its home turf.

Jones went 14-of-21 passing for 99 yards and was sacked seven times.

Lock was 3-of-8 for 6 yards, as not much changed for the sputtering Giants offense with him at the helm.

Daboll on Monday said Lock would not get more snaps at practice this week.

New York has scored just one touchdown in four home games this season, and the team’s 31 points in those contests are the sixth fewest over the past 40 years. Unfortunately for Daboll & Co., the Giants had even fewer points (27) in their first four home games last season.

“All the way around — not just the quarterback; the coaching, everything — just wasn’t good enough,” Daboll said.

Benching Jones was Daboll’s Hail Mary. The coach went over to Jones while the Eagles (4-2) held the ball early in the fourth quarter and informed him of the decision. It was straight to the point, without much explanation.

Daboll thought maybe Lock could make a few plays and swing momentum. It didn’t happen, and it didn’t sit well with Jones, either.

“It wasn’t much of a conversation,” Jones said. “Just said he was going to go with Drew. Looking for a spark. That was about it.”

Jones has been the Giants’ starter since being drafted as the No. 6 pick in the 2019 NFL draft. The Giants have experienced one winning season since, and this appears destined to be another lost campaign, as well.

Jones, who has six touchdown passes and four interceptions this season, is not harping on his long-term status as the team’s starter.

“I’m just going to continue to prepare and try to play as well as I can,” Jones said. “Daboll, it’s his team. It’s up to him to make that decision. Obviously, I believe in myself and believe in this offense. So, I’m just going to focus on myself.”

There is plenty of room for reflection, but Jones didn’t get much help Sunday. The running backs had just three carries for 4 yards in the first half. The offensive line struggled, giving up eight sacks.

Josh Ezeudu started at left tackle in place of the injured Andrew Thomas, who is out for the season, and it seemed to throw everything out of sorts. Ezeudu allowed two early sacks.

Jones knows a chunk of the blame falls on his shoulders. It’s why he ended up on the bench for the fourth quarter.

“As the quarterback, I think it’s my responsibility to get everything going and build rhythm, build momentum, execute the opportunities that are there. And I take that seriously,” Jones said. “I’ll certainly look at myself first and see where I can improve. Football is a team game, and it takes everyone playing well. But I have a big role in that. Take that very seriously.”

So, it’s back to the drawing board for the Giants. Next up: the daunting task of facing one of the top scoring defenses in the league in Pittsburgh.

It could be Jones’ last chance. The Giants have a reasonable out with his contract after this season, and they already were interested in drafting his long-term replacement this past offseason.

“I’m confident in myself,” Jones said. “And I’ll be ready to go.”