Daniel Jones’ two-interception performance in his first preseason game since tearing his ACL in Week 9 of the 2023 NFL season was widely criticized. New York Giants coach Brian Daboll said Sunday that despite the interceptions, there were positives to be taken from the half Jones played against the Houston Texans on Saturday.

“I thought there were two plays that I’d like to have back, that we’d like to have back. But I thought he played fast,” Daboll said. “I mean, it’s different when you’re out there in practice. It was good for him to go out there and get some live reps with a rush and the ability to get hit. He had that scramble. But I would say he played well in the pocket.”

Here are Daboll’s thoughts on the two interceptions:

The Pick-6

“Of course we talked about the game we secured. We would all like to have it again… These things happen. We will work on it. We will learn from it. We will grow from it. We will be better next time.”

The deep ball

“It’s a one-on-one shot on the sideline to (Jalin) Hyatt. We’ve got to do a good job of clearing space, going up and giving him a chance. Then when the ball is up there, we’ve got to go up and get it.”

Here is Daboll’s overall impression of Jones’ day:

“I thought he made a lot of good decisions as the game went on,” Daboll said. “He made some nice throws and the guys created some distance and some drops. The first time after a long break, live ball, was good for him.”

Injury report

As usual the day after a game, Daboll avoided discussion of injuries and said he would have more information on Tuesday when the team returned to training.

Daboll suggested that veteran cornerback David Long’s limited playing time was due to an injury, possibly sustained during warm-ups.

There is no new information on the other injured Giants. The list includes:

WR/KR Gunner Olszewski (groin, out 2-4 weeks)
LB Micah McFadden (hip, was carted off the field on Saturday)
DT Ryder Anderson (thigh)
LB Matthew Adams (groin)
QB Drew Lock (hip)
CB Dru Phillips (ankle)
Running Back Dante Miller (thigh)
TE Lawrence Cager (groin)
LB Dyontae Johnson (ankle)
G Jon Runyan Jr. (shoulder)
CB Cor’Dale Flott (Quad)

Who needs a start-up phase?

Veteran fullback/tight end Jakob Johnson played eight snaps on Saturday after signing with the Giants on Friday. Johnson has not had any practice sessions to prepare with the Giants. In fact, he hasn’t had any practice at all since the end of the 2023 season.

“It’s not easy. Luckily, he knows some of our staff,” Daboll said. “I would say yesterday toward the end we had some of those players that were only here for a couple of days. Two running backs, fullback and tight end. A couple of guys in the secondary. That’s what happens this time of year.

“He’s a professional. I know a few people who either coached him or played with him. James Devlin was a damn good fullback I had in New England. I have a really good relationship with him and had a lot of good things to say about him. He did a good job on the plays we used him on.”

Running back Joshua Kelley and safety Jonathan Sutherland also joined the team after only a few days.

The Giants didn’t have a fullback in Daboll’s first two seasons as coach. They have used tight ends in that role more throughout training camp than in the past, with Daniel Bellinger getting most of those assignments. It will be interesting to see if Johnson makes the roster and, if so, how that might impact the Giants’ running game.

JMS in the number of pitches

Center John Michael Schmitz played 14 snaps. Because Schmitz returned from a shoulder injury during the week, Daboll said the second-year player would be limited to 15 snaps.

“We got him to 15 and took him out,” Daboll said. “I think he probably could have played a little bit more, but that was the plan from the beginning, so we stuck to it.”

Promoting offensive line play

Jones was not sacked during his half of the game. In fact, Pro Football Focus did not accuse any of the Giants’ top six offensive linemen of allowing a single pressure.

“I would say we’ve acquired good players as far as the veterans we’ve brought in,” Daboll said. “Communication, it’s been good to have John Michael (Schmitz) back out there to work with some of the guys. Veterans that are committed, that are smart and tough, that have played the game.”

“They’re all on the same page. That’s what it takes to be an improved, good offensive line: making sure that five guys are playing as a unit and seeing everything through the same eyes. Carm (Bricillo) and James (Ferentz) have done a good job with that group. Again, we’re in the preseason. There’s not a lot of unique blitzes, different fronts and communication. The technique and the fundamentals of locking down the pocket, protecting inside to outside and getting some movement in the run game, I’m happy with that.”