The New York Giants, with quarterback Daniel Jones at the helm, faced a defeat against the Minnesota Vikings, ending the game with a score of 28-6 on Sunday afternoon.
The fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the sixth-year quarterback’s performance, as he managed to throw for 186 yards, completing 22 of 42 attempts, but also had two interceptions.
DANNY PENNYS AFTER THE GAME!! @awthentik @barstoolsports @MarshallGreen_ @NYGDaily @NYC_1Ts @realmaceblack pic.twitter.com/ADvVBYvYme
— RUgiants (@RUgiants) September 9, 2024
As Jones exited the stadium, he was met with fans chanting, “I need a million Danny, I need a million,” seemingly referring to his contract.
Jones has often been labeled as ‘overpaid’ due to his four-year contract worth $160 million, which includes $92 million guaranteed.
Hard Knocks with the Giants has been extremely interesting.
“If we lose Saquon Barkley, what is our identity?” pic.twitter.com/XiItyGVWBB
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) July 3, 2024
Moreover, the Giants’ decision not to meet franchise running back Saquon Barkley’s salary expectations compared to their rival, the Philadelphia Eagles (who offered him a three-year, $37.75 million contract), has stirred criticism among fans who believe Jones’ paycheck is excessive.
Further adding to the fans’ disappointment, Barkley scored three touchdowns and rushed for 109 yards in his first game with the Eagles, which resulted in a week 1 victory against the Green Bay Packers.
“I might have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia…
He’s our most popular player by far!”
— Giants owner John Mara on Hard Knocks. pic.twitter.com/p2G27Qg5Pj
— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) July 17, 2024
Regarding Jones’ performance on the field since he signed his significant contract before the 2023 season, he has not lived up to expectations. In fact, he has thrown more interception returns for touchdowns (pick-sixes) than actual touchdown passes, meaning he has been more of a scorer for the opposing team than for his own.
To date, Jones has a 1-6 record in games he has started since last season, and in only three of those games did the Giants manage to score double-digit points.
🚨INSANE STAT: Since signing a $160 million contract with #Giants, Daniel Jones has thrown more touchdown passes to the OPPOSITION THAN TO HIS OWN TEAMMATES.
😳😳😳
MORE PICK-SIXES THAN TD PASSES TO HIS OWN GUYS.
(Via AP) pic.twitter.com/pF1dkWkEX8
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 9, 2024
After the disappointing game, some fans appeared to have lost hope as they were seen burning #8 jerseys in the parking lot.
The Daniel Jones jersey burnings are going about as well as Daniel Jones played today
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 9, 2024
Despite the rough start, the 27-year-old quarterback remained hopeful, stating, “We’ll get in, watch the film, see what we can do better, see how I need to play better, and go from there. We’re focused on that.”
When asked if he considered benching Jones, head coach Brian Daboll shook his head in disagreement, saying ‘no.’
Brian Daboll did not consider benching Daniel Jones today pic.twitter.com/ZBwuR55mNg
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) September 8, 2024
However, when questioned about his confidence in Jones, Daboll sidestepped the issue, emphasizing, “Overall, we have to do a better job, and that starts with me.”
Jones will have his next opportunity to improve next Sunday against the Washington Commanders, who had the worst passing defense in 2023, potentially creating a favorable chance for him to bounce back.
