After an offseason of anticipation and hype for TE Darren Waller as the Giants’ top receiving weapon in 2023, the former Raider got out to a slow start in his first five games in the Big Apple. From Weeks 1-5, Waller was just the TE10 in fantasy points per game (9.4) and the TE9 in total points scored (46.9). He didn’t score a touchdown in any of those games – all of which were quarterbacked by Daniel Jones.
Fast forward to Weeks 6 and 7 – games quarterbacked by Tyrod Taylor while Jones has been out with injury – and Waller looks like the top-flight tight end he was supposed to be in 2023. He’s dominated target share in the Giants receiving room at 26% - no other Giants WR has a target share higher than 17% in that span. Waller has also caught the 2nd-most passes among all TEs in Weeks 6 and 7, behind only Travis Kelce.
Most importantly, though, is the turnaround in his fantasy production. Waller is averaging the second-most fantasy points at the position in that span (again, behind only Travis Kelce) while benefitting from higher-quality QB play from Tyrod Taylor. After averaging just a 79% catchable target rate over the first 5 weeks with Daniel Jones under center, Waller has seen that number increase to 87% with Taylor throwing the ball. Taylor also gave Waller his first two end zone targets of the season, one of which he caught this week for his first score as a Giant. He had zero previously in five games with Daniel Jones.
Bottom line: there’s no reason for the Giants to rush Daniel Jones back. Seriously.