Thread by @DanSchneierNFL

It's time to talk about Daniel Jones 4-game stretch so here's a thread. Why? It was the best 4-game stretch of his #Giants career on tape (context considered).
On this week's #BigBlueBanter I described DJ as a starting pitcher in full command of his arsenal. Let's start by (cont)

Daniel Jones' 4-game stretch has some INSANE advance stats:
4.1% off-target throw % (best in NFL)
4th-best EPA behind (Mahomes, Allen, Burrow)
Second-most yards per scramble (10.0)
3rd down conversion rate (45.5%) (fourth-best)
1st down per pass attempt rate (38.1%) (third-best)

We'll dive into some film clips shortly, but:
His off-target % on the year (6.9% nice) and 4.1% over the last four (best in NFL) combined w/ his rushing EPA are a big reason for the high conversion rates on 3rd and 1st downs
This is what I mean by a pitcher in full command (cont)

Adding to DJ's command on the mound analogy is how he's protecting the ball. His 1.1 INT rate is second-best in the NFL and he has just two fumbles in seven games. Why it matters most: The #Giants have won all six games by a one-score margin.
Ok let's talk traits tape now (cont)

We'll start with the area Daniel Jones needed to make the biggest jump: Pre and post-snap processing. To the naked eye, it's how fast he moves through progressions and makes a decision.
This is the lifeblood of any QB who wants long-term success.
Let's look at some EXs (cont)

The most notable difference is how much faster Daniel Jones is moving through his post-snap progression.
3rd down: DJ has to make this read to come off the vert route fast after taking a deep PA drop. He reacts and works back to Bellinger to keep the drive alive #Giants (cont)

3rd and 14: I love how Daniel Jones holds No. 6 from dropping into the eventual throwing lane w/ his eyes. Watch No. 6's feet closely just before the throw. That gives Slayton time to work into the vacated area. And DJ drives this throw w/ velocity and placement #Gants (cont)

Daniel Jones is just moving so much faster w/ his eyes.
Take this short pass for EX. DJ reads the LB left to confirm where he'll be, works back to the right with his eyes, doesn't like what he sees but has previously confirmed he'll have Myarick so he can be decisive. #Giants

Another EX of Daniel Jones moving fast through multiple progressions after quickly processing/confirming what he sees post snap before working back to his solution (Bellinger)
Also note how he slid to reset/find a better throwing lane w/ pressure coming from RG #Giants (cont)

In addition to layering a tight spiral w/ excellent touch and location, there was an excellent post-snap processing moment for Daniel Jones on his Darius Slayton TD: His eyes confirm where the safety. Subtle but necessary. (Side: Why can't Slayton just run under this?) #Giants

The post-snap processing is just so sped up for Daniel Jones.
This play is designed to go to Daniel Bellinger. In the past, we've seen DJ hang on to that read, stare it down too long, and disaster ensued.
Here, he works off it fast to find a solution #Giants #TogetherBlue (cont)

All of the previous plays on this thread were good EXs of his post snap processing, but he's improved so much pre snap too
Last year DJ didn't recognize a critical blitzer v. KC and nearly threw an INT
Here he reads the Jags blitz presnap and knows he'll have Barkley free #Giants

Outside of pre-and-post snap processing, though it goes hand in hand in some ways, Jones has improved his pocket manipulation.
In the past, he's bailed right too early and ran into sacks.
Here, Feliciano gives up ground and DJ calmly slides right to find a throwing lane. #Giants

One thing I always love to see w/ QBs is when they look in one direction, hold there and then snap back the other way to make an immediate throw.
Daniel Jones processes the coverage post snap and feels confident when he snaps back to ward RJ here.
#Giants #TogetherBlue (cont)

Back to the processing real quick:
Daniel Jones confirms the DB's (outside) leverage on Sills first, then confirm the safety gets depth (for the dig to work), then confirm 33 carries Barkley, then confirm 23 hangs on Wan'Dale whip route
Four steps. Lightning fast. #Giants (cont)

Another area of improvement for Daniel Jones in the presnap game has been his recognition of when to change protections.
Here, he communicates a change to Feliciano.
Seems subtle, but how often did we see free rushers and blown up plays in 1.2 seconds over the last 7-8 seasons?

It's not just the presnap recognition of blitzers for Daniel Jones -- he's also making key changes on run plays.
Here he makes a check and motions to his TEs presnap. All of the sudden Myarick (85) is a puller and makes an impact on the play after Barkley cuts back #Giants (cont)

Another area of improvement: Patience.
I love how Daniel Jones remains patient here even though the over route to Marcus Johnson is not there at first.
Then, he drives the ball w/ velo and location. He's accurate and off platform. #Giants
Speaking of off platform throws...

Another area Daniel Jones has improved drastically is throwing off platform. I wasn't sure it was a trait that can change much for QBs.
I chose this play, but there are others.
DJ as a right-hander rolls left, has to flip his hips and delivers w/ velo + placement off platform.

Daniel Jones' rushing efficiency has played a key role in his improvement as well (see Tweet below)


I just love how fast he's diagnosing rushing lanes. Here, he recognizes the blitzers and understands it will open up a huge rushing lane right. #Giants

We also need an appreciation for the SMALL details.
Daniel Jones has been selling BALL FAKES w/ the best of them.
Here, DJ holds the ball tight to his body in his right hand and it fools No. 6. Into his body = the small details! Now, No. 6 can't get into the pass lane. #Giants

There are other EXs I could post where Daniel Jones' ball fakes have fooled the defenses (the game-winning drive rollout v. JAX is great), but I loved this one b/c you can just watch the entire Bears defense get fooled by it.
#Giants #TogetherBlue (cont)

If you came this far, it probably means you LOVE this kind of analysis. Why else are you still here?
If that's right, PLEASE check out the #BigBlueBanter YT page. We break down FULL games on offense w/ @nickfalato who knows 100X times more than me.
Here:
youtube.com/channel/UCJ5Jx…

Thread got cut off for some reason... so here is the rest of it (I think) .. if not, you can find some other EXs of improvements in 1. Pocket Manipulation 2. Off Platform throws 3. Ball fakes 4. Patience on my profile.

Thread cut off, so adding now:
Another area of improvement: Patience.
Daniel Jones remains patient here even though the over route is not there at first.
Then, he drives the ball w/ velo and location. He's accurate and off platform. #Giants
Speaking of off platform throws...

OK. Hopefully those last few Tweets will cover all of the thread that got cut off.
If you enjoyed this PLEASE check out the #BigBlueBanter YT page. We break down FULL games on offense w/ @nickfalato who knows 100X times more than me
#Giants #TogetherBlue