Texans coach Lovie Smith acknowledges the challenge Giants present in Week 10

Lovie Smith knows the New York Giants aren’t a fluke with rookie coach Brian Daboll. The NFC East club is 6-2 for a reason.

Smith met with reporters on Monday to talk about the Houston Texans’ Week 10 tilt with the Giants, and pointed out quarterback Daniel Jones as the main reason for New York’s success through the first nine weeks.

“First off, he’s a lot better athlete than he’s given credit for,” Smith said. “Everybody assumes he’s just a stand in the pocket thrower. He can make all the throws, but I think he’s been really effective when he’s gotten out on the perimeter. They do a really good job with boots. [Quarterback coach] Mike Kafka of course and Daboll, I mean their coaches have done a great with designing some plays to take advantage of his talents.”

Jones has the fewest touchdown passes of any quarterback who has started every game for his team in 2022 with six scores. However, he has been efficient with an 88.0 passer rating.

The former 2019 first-round pick also has help in the backfield with running back Saquon Barkley, who is finally starting to live up to his first-round billing after a frustrating first four seasons.

Said Smith: “Saquon Barkley, the conversation goes to him quickly. Loved him in college and what he’s done in the league. He’s an outstanding player. A big guy that can run in between the tackles, he can make you miss in the open field and he also has excellent speed. So that’ll be a good, big challenge for us.”

Barkley is third in the NFL with 779 rushing yards and averages 4.8 yards per carry.

Smith also mentioned defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale’s penchant for dialing up the blitz and that they have to be prepared.

“Good football team,” said Smith. “Big challenge for us.”