Getting booed is something New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is used to.
It comes with the territory when playing for struggling teams in New York, especially when the team uses a high draft pick to try and improve.
The only time this wasn’t the case was in 2022, when Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in 2019, had a standout season and helped new coach Brian Daboll lead the Giants (9-7-1) to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
This success earned him a four-year, $160 million contract, but things haven’t gone well since then.
Jones started last season poorly, was limited to six games due to a neck injury and later an ACL injury, and the Giants ended with a 6-11 record.
The hoped-for rebound season began with a tough 28-6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Jones went 22 of 42 for 186 yards and had one of his two interceptions returned for a touchdown. New York’s offense only managed two field goals.
Jones was booed during the game and as he walked to his car afterward.
“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 Wednesday. “I think my mental toughness is in a good spot and I’m not concerned about that.”
Daboll and Jones talk almost every day and have reviewed Sunday’s loss. They discussed Jones’ footwork, what he is seeing, and his decision-making.
Both are hoping for better results on Sunday when the Giants play the Washington Commanders (0-1). They want the offense to find a rhythm and avoid too many second and third-and-long situations.
“We’ve played one game, so no one did good enough that first game,” Daboll said. “So again, team sport and we’ll work on fixing it.”
Regarding the fans’ frustration, Jones said he understands their disappointment over the past few seasons but is more focused on keeping his teammates and coaches satisfied.
