In a shocking twist of events, Daniel Jones has been deemed more clutch than superstar quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert, according to NFL analyst Douglas Clawson of CBS Sports. While many may find this ranking hard to believe, Clawson stands by his assessment, citing Jones’ ability to lead the Giants down the field in critical moments.
Jones, often criticized for his inconsistent play, has shown flashes of brilliance when the pressure is on. According to Clawson, Jones has an impressive 44% success rate in tying or taking the lead in the final moments of games over the past two years. Despite acknowledging that Jones’ five game-winning drives in seven games in 2022 may have been a fluke, Clawson believes the young quarterback has a knack for performing under pressure.
Comparing Jones to Justin Herbert further highlights the former’s clutch gene. Herbert, a talented quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, has faced criticism for not winning as many games as expected. However, his 42% conversion rate on game-tying or go-ahead drives is on par with Jones, showcasing a similar ability to come through in crucial moments.
In dissecting Herbert’s losses, it becomes clear that his shortcomings are often a result of poor defensive play and coaching decisions. For instance, in a playoff loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Herbert played well despite the team collapsing around him. The blame, in this case, falls on the defense and special teams rather than the quarterback.
When it comes to Lamar Jackson, the former MVP has struggled to replicate his regular-season success in the playoffs. While Jones may edge out Jackson in certain statistical categories, such as postseason efficiency, it’s hard to deny Jackson’s impact on the game. With a 48% conversion rate on clutch drives, Jackson ranks higher than Jones in this key metric.
Ultimately, the debate over who is the most clutch quarterback in the NFL rages on. While Jones may have surprised many with his ranking above Jackson and Herbert, the numbers don’t lie. Whether Jones can continue to perform in critical moments remains to be seen, but for now, he has earned a place among the elite in this regard.
As Clawson aptly concludes, the ability to deliver in clutch situations is what separates the good from the great in the NFL. And for Daniel Jones, this newfound recognition may be just the beginning of his journey to greatness in the league.
[Main Photo: Robert Deutsch – USA Today Sports]
