Daniel Jones‘ Week 1 outing left plenty to be desired, and folks are already wondering how long it will be before the Giants make a change at quarterback.
After throwing two interceptions, failing to score any points on two fourth-quarter trips to the red zone, and finishing with a 44.3 passer rating in a 28-6 loss to the Vikings on Sunday, Jones isn’t paying attention to the outside noise, though. He simply can’t afford to.
“I’ve said a number of times I’m concerned about the people in this building,” Jones said on Wednesday. “I think I’ve got plenty of help, plenty of good coaching, plenty of good teammates to work with here.
“In terms of other people and what they have to say, what they think and their perspective and what their observations are not really important to me.”
Jones’ comments come one day after Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard said that Minnesota defenders “started to feel a little bit bad for him” as Jones struggled and New York faced boos in the regular-season opener.
If Jones were to spend even a minute of his time listening to outside noise and criticism, however, he’d likely be doing himself a disservice. He’s already found the going to be difficult enough, and adding any negativity to the equation would seemingly only worsen the situation.
The downside of this reality is there are only 32 of these jobs on the planet. Scrutiny — especially when things aren’t going well — will forever be present, and patience is dwindling in the modern NFL, especially in a market like New York. All Jones can do to help himself is continue to work toward improving, and hope that is enough to keep him in the lineup.
“I’m playing to win games. Playing to lead the team,” Jones said when asked if he was playing to keep his starting job. “Lead the team to score points and win games. That’s always been my focus. I know I can do that. I’ve got to do it, got to do it well.”
Jones has already received first-hand experience being out of the lineup, but not due to performance. He missed all but six games last season and watched Tommy DeVito set MetLife Stadium on fire during a brief period of unexpected success, then entered an uncertain offseason in which plenty of fans yearned for the Giants to make a change under center.
Jones emerged from the madness as a starter, but his first few steps into 2024 have been shaky. The pressure will only continue to mount until he quiets the doubters with his performance, which is far from guaranteed.
“I’m focused on doing my job and playing well, and confident I can do that,” Jones said when asked if he anticipates a change at quarterback if he doesn’t play well.
Jones might find the going a little easier in Week 2 against a Commanders team that finished dead last in yards allowed per game in 2023 and just surrendered 37 points in a loss to the Buccaneers. But he’ll have to capitalize on the opportunity that awaits him, because dates with Cleveland, Dallas, Seattle and Cincinnati are up next.
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