Daniel Jones receives encouraging words from ex-teammate Saquon Barkley after losing first game of 2024 against Vikings

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who played with Daniel Jones for several years in New York, wants him to play without fear.

Daniel Jones receives encouraging words from ex-teammate Saquon Barkley after losing first game of 2024 against Vikings

Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones (Image via IMAGO/ X)

Daniel Jones’ first start since his season-ending injury last year did not go according to plan as the New York Giants lost 6-28 to the Minnesota Vikings. Jones looked shaky and unprepared for the brutalities of the NFL.

His offensive line did very little to protect him, allowing 6 sacks—2 from linebacker Pat Jones. Jones looked uncomfortable in the pocket on top of the Vikings’ pass rush that forced a comical pick 6.

YouTube video

In total, Jones allowed 1 massive quarterback hit and 3 pressures, resulting in 2 interceptions. It wasn’t a great watch, and some Giants fans, as a sign of protest, burned the sixth-year quarterback’s jersey on the streets.

FS Video

Saquon Barkley, who left the Giants in the offseason, was away with the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil to beat the Green Bay Packers. Upon his return, he watched the Giants and Jones getting dominated by the Vikings.

RELATED
“They’re not really a rival,” Kayvon Thibodeaux dismisses the Commanders as a threat to the Giants ahead of their Week 2 matchup
Kayvon Thibodeaux and Jayden Daniels

Both Barkley and Jones entered the NFL around the same time, so the running back has seen the Duke graduate win games for the Giants.

I talked to him. I am really fine with DJ and I have seen every game that he won… From me, it was just letting him know that, just go out there and play free.
Saquon Barkley said on Thursday

Daniel Jones is on the clock but he refuses to give up hope just yet

Perhaps Jones’ scrutiny would be far less if the four-year $160 million deal did not exist. Since signing the extension back in 2023, Daniel Jones has been 1-7, throwing just 2 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, and has a bottom 3 quarterback rating.

Daniel Jones receives encouraging words from ex-teammate Saquon Barkley after losing first game of 2024 against Vikings
Daniel Jones (Image via IMAGO)

Despite the challenging times, Jones believes in his ability to bounce back and prove his worth.

I feel like I've been doubted plenty, for a long time, and I've dealt with that time and time again and done a good job with it. My mental toughness is in a good spot, and I'm not concerned about that.
Daniel Jones said as per the New York Post

According to several sources, head coach Brian Daboll will continue with Jones for now. He still has Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito waiting for the call.

However, one of the episodes of HBO’s Hard Knocks revealed that Daboll wanted to draft a quarterback, possibly Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye, but general manager Joe Schoen advised him to stick with Jones.

RELATED
Tyreek Hill, in hindsight, admits he could’ve handled things a little bit better with Miami police
Tyreek Hill

If the 27-year-old gets injured once again, leading to a cut from the Giants, then they would have to pay him $23 million as injury bonuses. Up next, the Giants welcome divisional rivals the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium.