Big Blue View
The mail’s here!
Martin asks: All this talk about the new defensive rookie players but we haven’t heard how Dexter Lawrence elbow surgery is coming along. For a man that uses his arms 99% of the time, this may have an impact on his rushes, yes?
Ed says: Martin, Lawrence is fine. Lawrence had a dislocated elbow that did not require surgery. He participated in events during the Pro Bowl games in February, which he would not have done if there were any risk. He was on the field doing individual drills on Wednesday when media had access to practice.
Ed Metzendorf asks: With the Giants facing a tough schedule and a roster that may be improved but still flawed, how closely do you think the Mara family will be watching Daniel Jones’ performance in Indianapolis?If Jones thrives with the Colts while the Giants show only marginal progress, could that shift the narrative around Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen? They’ve received significant credit for developing Josh Allen in Buffalo, but if Jones succeeds elsewhere and the Giants continue to struggle, does that raise questions about whether Allen’s success was more about his unique talent than Daboll and Schoen’s system?
Ed says: Ed, I am sure there will be curiosity about how Jones does in Indianapolis. I don’t quite understand how Jones’ play with the Colts, though, is a referendum on Daboll and Schoen.
Fans conveniently want to forget that Jones was in his fourth year when Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll were hired. Schoen was his second GM, Daboll his third head coach. Jones, guided by Daboll, had the best season of his career in 2022. The coach should get some props for that.
There will always be a debate about what percentage of the credit Daboll should get for Josh Allen’s success. Allen deserves much of the credit. Quarterback coach Jordan Palmer deserves some of the credit. Daboll’s work in building a relationship with Allen, and his willingness to bend his system to Allen’s strengths, was also a part of the story.
Doug Mollin asks: I was wondering if you’ll be following/rooting for DJ with the Colts this season. Or, is he just another random NFL player at this point?
Giant players that have moved on often remain relevant with BBVers for a while, see OBJ, Landon Collins, Leonard Williams, Toney, Saquon, etc.
Personally, I thought I’d be rooting for DJ to succeed, but I honestly don’t care much either way at this point. Not rooting against him, just not particularly interested in what happens.
Ed says: Doug, yes, I will be following and rooting for Jones to succeed in Indianapolis. To do this job on a daily basis for 18 years and try to remain as clear-headed as possible, I put my fan card away a long time ago. I simply can’t do this job — and it is a job — emotionally.
That said, I absolutely root for certain players. Jones is one of them....
