HOUSTON – Daniel Jones’ nightmarish return to live action got better as time went on – and after the Texans pulled their starting defense.
In his first game since tearing the ACL in his right leg last November, the Giants’ franchise quarterback directed three first-quarter drives Saturday against the Texans that resulted in a three-and-out and two interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown.
Jones’ first interception was a foolish decision that resulted from holding the ball too long as he stood in his own end zone.
The offensive line – which was retooled in the offseason after allowing a franchise-record 85 sacks last season – could not be blamed for this one.
On his first true taste of contact, Jones was twisted up by Derek Barnett and decided to try to avoid a safety by throwing a pass as he fell to the ground.
The pass was wildly off target for Theo Johnson and wound up as a walk-in five-yard touchdown return for Jalen Pitre.
Jones threw another interception when the Giants were driving and he didn’t lead Jalin Hyatt enough into the end zone.
Derek Stingley Jr. undercut the route.
That was all for the Texans’ defensive starters.
With no control over how Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans managed his personnel, all the Giants’ starting offense could do was gain a rhythm against the backups.
Joined by most of the starting offensive line and receivers, Jones responded by directing a seven-play, 68-yard touchdown drive highlighted by Darius Slayton’s 44-yard reception.
The Giants also used a no-huddle offense to get three more points on the board, featuring a heavy dose of Malik Nabers in a 12-play, 64-yard drive ending on Graham Gano’s 31-yard field goal.
Jones finished the first half 11-of-18 for 138 yards.
He connected with Nabers four times for 54 yards.
When the pocket collapsed, Jones, who needs his legs to be effective, showed no hesitancy in his surgically repaired knee by scrambling for 12 yards.
He appeared to be limping after the first interception but he stayed in the game.
