Shurmur: Some might be 'surprised' by Jones, but Giants aren't

The New York Giants' decision to pick Daniel Jones sixth overall was by far the 2019 draft's most widely derided pick, but the early returns from the rookie quarterback have been positive.

Jones put in his second straight solid preseason performance Friday against the Chicago Bears. The former Duke standout threw for 161 yards and another picture-perfect touchdown, and while two fumbles marred his performance, it was another encouraging day.

While some around the league have been caught off guard by Jones' play, the Giants aren't among them.

"People outside of our building seem surprised. We're not," head coach Pat Shurmur said after Friday's game, according to Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith. "That's why we picked him. And I think he's making good progress as he goes along here. He's checking off all the boxes. When it's his time to play he will be ready. I'm pleased with the progress he's making."

Shurmur added that he was happy with how his young pivot responded to his turnovers.

"It's just part of the growing. But he didn't panic," Shurmur said. "He dropped the ball a couple times. He didn't call his parents, he just went back to work."

Despite the rookie appearing much further along in his development than most expected, Shurmur echoed Giants co-owner John Mara's message that Eli Manning remains locked into the starting job.

"John owns the team. We're on the same page. ... You heard it from the owner," Shurmur said, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan.

Manning made sure his rookie compatriot wouldn't continue to get all the buzz by going a perfect 4-for-4 - including an 8-yard touchdown - on his lone drive against the Bears' second-team defense.