Daniel Jones had a rough start to his 2024 NFL season opener, one that he’ll likely want to forget as soon as possible. The New York Giants were thoroughly outplayed by the Minnesota Vikings, suffering a 28-6 defeat on Sunday afternoon. The Vikings, led by quarterback Sam Darnold, controlled the game from start to finish, leaving little room for Jones and the Giants to mount any kind of comeback.
Jones, who is facing a pivotal season in New York, struggled mightily against the Vikings’ defense. Despite signing a massive four-year, $160 million contract with $92 million guaranteed, Jones’ performance on Sunday was far from what fans expected of their franchise quarterback. He threw for just 186 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions, while managing only six carries for 15 yards on the ground. The Vikings’ defense applied constant pressure, making it a long and frustrating day for the Giants’ offense.
To make matters worse, the disappointment didn’t stop when the game ended. As Jones walked to his car in the parking lot after the game, he was met with boos from his own fan base. Fans who stuck around after the game vented their frustrations, a clear sign of just how unhappy they were with the performance. It was a harsh reception for Jones, who had hoped to start the season on a more positive note.
One fan described the scene in the parking lot: “It was crazy—there were about 50 people who stayed just to boo him, and Malik Nabers smirked when everyone said to wait until next year for a new QB.” The discontent among fans suggests that patience with Jones may be running thin, and with expectations high following his contract extension, the pressure is mounting.
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This season is seen as a make-or-break year for Jones in New York. While his lucrative deal offers him some financial security, it doesn’t shield him from the mounting scrutiny he faces from fans and analysts alike. The Giants have been hoping for Jones to take the next step and solidify himself as the long-term answer at quarterback, but performances like Sunday’s raise more questions than answers.
The Giants will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders. It’s an early-season opportunity to get back on track, and Jones will be eager to bounce back and silence his critics. However, with fan frustration already reaching a boiling point after just one game, the pressure to perform is more intense than ever.
Kickoff between the Giants and the Commanders is set for 1 p.m. ET next Sunday, with the game airing on FOX. It’s a crucial game for the Giants as they look to avoid an 0-2 start, and for Daniel Jones, it’s a chance to redeem himself after a tough opener.
Whether he can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—another poor showing could fuel even more dissatisfaction from the fanbase.
