EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Brian Daboll and Daniel Jones are the couple who met on a blind date and have grown to like and respect each other a great deal.
And that's good for the Giants, because they have the Giants' most important coach/player relationship as they prepare to play their opening game Sunday against the defending AFC South champion Tennessee Titans in Nashville.
Daboll, the team's first-year head coach, and Jones, the fourth-year quarterback, researched each other when Daboll was named the Giants' head coach in January. But no one is ever certain how a new partnership will progress. After working together throughout the spring and summer, they have developed an alliance that will benefit the team during the long NFL season.
"I've heard he was a hard worker," Daboll said today. "I get to see it. He is at it extremely hard. He's here all the time. He's more on the quiet side, but he is ultra, ultra-competitive. He does a really good job in the huddle with his teammates when you just step out and listen to him. I think he's a good leader.
"Daniel, since I've been around him, I think he's got the right approach really every week. Certainly, we weren't game planning in the preseason, but the way he approached things, I've been impressed with."
Jones is already operating in his third NFL offense and the fourth scheme in five seasons counting his final year at Duke.
"The verbiage is definitely different this year," Jones said. "That's something you've got to learn. It just takes time to study, memorize the words and how we are going to call things. The next level of that is understanding the concepts, the plays and getting used to seeing it against certain defenses and knowing what to expect."
View photos of the New York Giants' 2022 roster as it currently stands.
OL Jack Anderson
DL Ryder Anderson
RB Saquon Barkley
TE Daniel Bellinger
S Dane Belton
G Ben Bredeson
RB Matt Breida
RB Gary Brightwell
LB Cam Brown
TE Lawrence Cager
S Landon Collins
LB Carter Coughlin
LB Jarrad Davis
G Wyatt Davis
DL Justin Ellis
OL Jon Feliciano
CB Cor'Dale Flott
OLB Tomon Fox
K Graham Gano
OL Nick Gates
P Jamie Gillan
G Mark Glowinski
WR Kenny Golladay
WR Isaiah Hodgins
CB Darnay Holmes
CB Adoree' Jackson
WR Richie James
S Tony Jefferson
WR Marcus Johnson
QB Daniel Jones
LS Casey Kreiter
DL Dexter Lawrence
S Julian Love
CB Nick McCloud
LB Micah McFadden
S Xavier McKinney
DL Henry Mondeaux
CB Fabian Moreau
T Evan Neal
OLB Azeez Ojulari
T Matt Peart
OL Tyre Phillips
S Jason Pinnock
WR Darius Slayton
ILB Jaylon Smith
QB Tyrod Taylor
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
T Andrew Thomas
TE Nick Vannett
OLB Jihad Ward
DL Leonard Williams
CB Rodarius Williams
LB Oshane Ximines
Daboll enjoyed great success as the Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator the previous four seasons. In 2021, the Bills won their second straight AFC East title while finishing third in the NFL with 28.4 points a game and fifth with a per-game average of 381.9 yards. The previous year, Daboll was voted the AP's NFL Assistant Coach of the Year.
Now that he's aligned with Daboll, Jones understands the pretext for his success.
"He's always thinking about a new way to run this play or a new way to motion something or shift something or set it up – and that's constant with him," Jones said. "It's in the cafeteria, it's through the hallways, obviously in meeting rooms. He's always thinking, coming up with new ideas. That's been fun. You learn a lot that way as I am learning the system, but also the way he thinks about football, how he sees offense and setting us up to be successful. It's been fun working with him."
Jones is confident he can thrive in Daboll's scheme.
"I think it's a versatile system," he said. "I think it allows the quarterback to do a lot in the pocket, outside the pocket, in the run game. It allows us to get into advantageous looks depending on what the defense does, easily getting in and out of plays. I think from all those perspectives, it's very quarterback friendly for any quarterback."
But is it conducive to keeping the quarterback healthy if he runs as often as Jones does? In his first three seasons, Jones rushed for exactly 1,000 yards on 172 attempts, a 5.8-yard average that ranks first among the 87 players in Giants history with 100 or more carries. His 423 rushing yards in 2020 were the most by a Giants quarterback in the Super Bowl era. Last year, Jones played only 11 games but ran for 298 yards, including 95 at Washington, the most rushing yards by a Giants quarterback since 1960.
Jones has not shied away from contact as a ballcarrier.
"I think you always try to be smart, particularly with that position," Daboll said. "I'm not going to take his competitiveness away from him. I think that's what makes people good, too. But you've got to make executive decisions sometimes. And, obviously, we'd like to have him get down rather than take a big shot. But that's the nature of playing quarterback – making good decisions whether it's with the ball and you're running or you're throwing the ball."
Some of those decisions will be made by offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, who will call the Giants' plays this season, the first time in his career he's had that responsibility.
"I think he's done a great job," Jones said of Kafka. "I thought he did a great job through the preseason and in training camp. I really enjoy working with him."
Jones is not reluctant to offer his input during meetings or practices or this week, during the formation of the game plan.
"I think there's constant communication on that," Daboll said. "He comes up when people leave, and he goes through things with Mike and (quarterbacks coach) Shea (Tierney). Or he'll tell me something.
"You want to have the quarterback feel as comfortable as he can, and you also want to tell him some of the reasons why you're doing things you want to try to do against the opponent you're going against. But he's had really good dialogue with us; I think he's in a good spot."
With the Daboll/Jones partnership, hopefully the Giants will be as well.
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans.
Quarterback Archie Manning of the Houston Oilers loses the ball as he is sacked by George Martin of the New York Giants in the final minutes of their game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 5, 1982.
Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon is sacked for a five yard loss by New York Giants Leonard Marshall, left, and Corey Miller in the second quarter at Giants Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21, 1991 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 24-20. (AP Photo/Mark Phillips)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) takes a snap during the NFL football game against the Houston Oilers on Dec. 21, 1991 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 24-20. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Mark Ingram (82) runs upfield during a 20 to 24 Houston Oilers loss to the New York Giants on December 21, 1991 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) catches a pass as he is defended by Tennessee Titans cornerback Dainon Sidney (37) in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. Toomer gained 40 yards on the play. The Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Keith Hamilton #75 of the New York Giants fights off a block during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on September 30, 2000 in Nashville. The Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Jesse Armstead #98 of the New York Giants pursues on a play against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game on September 30, 2000 in Nashville. The Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is hit by Tennessee Titans safety Perry Phenix (35) after Barber caught a pass for a 6-yard gain in the first quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. At left is line judge Mike Spanier. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) is dropped for a 4-yard loss as he is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) in the third quarter on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. Also defending for the Giants are Cedric Jones (94) and Ryan Phillips (91). (AP Photo/John Russell)
New York Giants Michael Strahan during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in East Rutherford,NJ at Giants Stadium Sunday, Dec.1, 2002. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) looks for running room as New York Giants linebacker Brandon Short (53) and defensive tackle Lance Legree (70) pursue during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. George gained 64 yards on 20 attempts and scored a touchdown as the Titans beat the Giants 32-29 in overtime. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants Michael Strahan during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in East Rutherford,NJ at Giants Stadium Sunday, Dec.1, 2002. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) makes a catch and looks to fend off cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) of the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants play against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants' Antrel Rolle (26) talks with teammate Kenny Phillips (21)during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty (99) tries to block a field goal attempt by the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running backs Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrate Ahmad Bradshaws (44) 2nd quarter touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) points out the coverage against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) makes a catch against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a pass as Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan (31) defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Titans won the game 29-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Tennessee Titans, left, line up against the New York Giants during the third quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jamie Winborn, left, tries to stop New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning yells during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jamie Winborn, left, tries to stop New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss runs the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young, left, during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) tries to get through Tennessee Titans defense during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning yells during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, left, reacts during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts to scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts to scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) breaks a tackle from Tennessee Titans' Jamie Winborn (52), below, as Titans' Jason McCourty (30) pursues during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) evades a tackle by Tennessee Titans' Michael Griffin (33) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tennessee Titans' Will Witherspoon (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin shakes hands with Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher after a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tennessee Titans Will Witherspoon (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tennessee Titans Will Witherspoon (92) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) reacts after sacking Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young during the first quarter of an NFL football game as Titans' Jake Scott (73) looks on at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) gives a pass rush against the Tennessee Titans in a week 3 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday September 26, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans on a 50-yard run in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. At left is Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59). (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the football during a Week 14 NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday, December 7, 2014. The Giants defeated the Titans 36-7. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) tries to get past Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) during a week 14 football game against the on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) carries the ball during a week 14 football game against the Tennessee Titans on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes as Tennessee Titans defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) rushes in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) runs against the Tennessee Titans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) leaps past Tennessee Titans safety George Wilson (21) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) gets past Tennessee Titans defensive back Marqueston Huff (28) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) passes as he is hit by New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) catches a 15-yard touchdown pass ahead of Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes as Tennessee Titans nose tackle Sammie Lee Hill (94) rushes in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) is sacked by New York Giants defensive back Mike Harris (37) for a 10-yard loss in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Giants middle linebacker Jameel McClain (53) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) during a week 14 football game on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (21) intercepts a pass during a week 14 football game against the Tennessee Titans on December 7, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) is dragged down by Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin (33) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) is sacked by New York Giants outside linebacker Devon Kennard (59) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. Mettenberger was injured on the play and left the game. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is brought down by Tennessee Titans safety Lamont Thompson, center, and linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Brandon Harris (32) pushes New York Giants wide receiver Preston Parker (83) out of bounds in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play against the Tennessee Titans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans on a 50-yard run in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. At left is Tennessee Titans safety George Wilson (21). (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) protects the ball from Tennessee Titans safety Chris Hope (24) in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. (AP Photo/John Russell)
New York Giants free safety Quintin Demps (35) intercepts a pass intended for Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker, left, in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
