New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has faced criticism from every possible angle this past week — fans, opposing players, former teammates, and league analysts.
To his credit, Jones has trekked forward, insisting that the outside noise has no impact on him.
“I’ve said a number of times I’m concerned about the people in this building, and I think I’ve got plenty of help, plenty of good coaching, plenty of good teammates to work with here. That’s what I’m focused on,” Jones told reporters on Wednesday. “But in terms of other people and what they have to say or what they think from their perspective and what their observations are, it’s really not very important to me.”
Amid the relentless criticism and what seems like personal levels of hate, Jones did receive an encouraging phone call from one of his close friends and former teammates — Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.
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“I talked to him,” Barkley said. “I’m really good friends with DJ, obviously he didn’t have the game that he wants . . . I just let him know, just go out there and play free and do what you do best.”
A somber-sounding Barkley expressed empathy for his former teammates as a whole, saying he “felt bad” for them and hopes they’re able to rebound in Week 2 against the Washington Commanders.
Jones has traditionally played well against Washington, but last Sunday’s overall effort provides little hope. The Giants seem no closer to offensive functionality than they did in Week 1 of last season when Barkley was still on the team.
But kudos to Barkley for staying by his friend’s side even if he wears enemy colors now.
