By Charlotte Carroll, Dan Duggan, Larry Holder and Amos Morale III
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones said he understands why fans are frustrated after the team’s 28-6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the season opener.
“Fans are upset and frustrated, and we’re frustrated, too,” Jones said of fans’ outrage and heckling of him after the loss. “I understand that. I’m not easily offended. I understand how it works and know I got to play better. We all got to play better.”
Jones completed 22 of 42 passes for 186 yards and two interceptions in Sunday’s loss. His 44.3 passer rating was the third lowest of any game in his career.
After the loss, fans have vocalized their displeasure with Jones. Some waited outside MetLife Stadium and booed the quarterback as he made his way to the parking lot, while others posted videos showing them burning Jones’ jersey.
“I’m not easily offended. I understand how it works and know I got to play better. We all got to play better.”
Daniel Jones on #giants fans outrage and heckling pic.twitter.com/Ln6WVJS90g
— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) September 11, 2024
Jones was typically composed during Wednesday’s media session while facing questions about his play.
When asked if he thinks he’s playing to keep his starting job, he said, “I’m playing to win games. I’m playing to lead the team to score points and win games. That’s always been my focus. I know I can do that.”
Jones added that he needs to play quicker and be cleaner with his feet.
How Jones stacks up
Has Jones played like a quarterback who deserved a contract extension in March 2023? Um … no. He carries a -0.26 EPA per dropback rate and a 65.1 passer rating since the beginning of last season. That ranks 38th (second to last) and 39th (last) among passers with at least 200 dropbacks during the span. — Larry Holder, NFL senior writer
What are the Giants’ options at QB?
If Jones doesn’t improve, two options are waiting in the wings. While the Giants hoped to select a quarterback in the draft, they brought in backup Drew Lock during free agency this offseason. There’s also fan favorite Tommy DeVito who became a media darling last season thanks to his play and family ties to the area.
Lock, who has made 23 career starts, was brought in more as an insurance policy for the injury-prone Jones. He’s got the experience, spending the last two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks as Geno Smith’s backup. — Charlotte Carroll, Giants beat writer
(Photo: Mitchell Leff / Getty Images)
