Daniel Jones is taking the recent wave of criticism from New York Giants fans in stride after a tough Week 1 loss. Despite being heckled and even witnessing fans burn his jersey in the parking lot after a poor performance, the quarterback said he’s not easily rattled by such reactions.
Following the Giants’ 28-6 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, where Jones threw two interceptions and completed just 22 of 42 passes, the frustration from fans boiled over. Some went as far as to taunt the sixth-year quarterback as he exited the stadium, and videos surfaced online showing his jersey being set ablaze outside MetLife Stadium.
However, Jones seems to be handling the criticism with composure as he prepares for an upcoming matchup against the Washington Commanders.
“They’re upset and frustrated, and we’re frustrated, too,” Jones told reporters after practice on Wednesday, according to the New York Post. “I understand that. I’m not easily offended. I understand how it works. I’ve got to play better, and we all have to play better.”
Jones and the Giants struggled mightily against the Vikings, with the quarterback failing to find any rhythm in the game. The offense sputtered, and the team was easily handled by Minnesota, leaving fans disappointed and vocal in their dissatisfaction.
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While Jones remained measured in his response to the backlash, one of his teammates, offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor, was more outspoken, calling the fans’ actions “inhumane.”
“There has to be a line with fans where it’s OK to boo, it’s OK to be frustrated, but to find a guy after a game and hassle him as he’s trying to get to his car—obviously he already feels bad—I don’t like that at all,” Eluemunor said. “I think that somebody had to say something about that. That’s my quarterback, and I’m supposed to protect him, on and off the field. I don’t respect that at all.”
Jones has had an up-and-down career since being drafted by the Giants as the sixth overall pick in 2019. While he showed promise with an impressive 2022 season that earned him a four-year, $160 million contract extension, his overall career performance has been inconsistent. He has led the Giants to just one playoff appearance, and his struggles have caused many fans to lose patience with the young quarterback.
As seen on this offseason’s edition of Hard Knocks, the Giants even considered trading up in the draft to potentially select a new quarterback, but ultimately decided to stick with Jones as their starter for the sixth season.
Despite the doubts surrounding him, Jones remains focused and confident in his ability to persevere. “I feel like I’ve been doubted plenty for a long time and dealt with that time and time again and done a good job with it,” Jones said. “I think my mental toughness is in a good spot, and I’m not concerned about that.”
Jones and the Giants will look to rebound this Sunday in their home game against the Commanders, as the pressure to perform intensifies for both the quarterback and the team.
A strong showing would go a long way in restoring confidence among fans, while another poor performance could further strain the relationship between Jones and the Giants’ faithful.
