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The New York Giants did something that no other NFL franchise could — they defeated future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady in two different Super Bowls.
So, naturally, there’s always been a bit of a rivalry between Brady and Big Blue. Perhaps that’s what led the famed QB turned broadcaster to make a not-so-subtle joke about current Giants signal-caller Daniel Jones at Fanatics Fest NYC that was deemed a “cheap shot” by New York Post reporter Ryan Dunleavy.
Sports betting analyst Ben Fawkes shared video on August 16, writing, “Giants QB Daniel Jones catching strays from Tom Brady at #FanaticsFest.”
While speaking with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Brady discussed what he can and can’t say once he joins the booth as a Fox Sports broadcaster this fall.
“If I was doing it myself — let’s say I threw a really bad interception — I would walk to the sidelines and say, ‘You are the worst quarterback in the world, how could you possibly make that throw? That was terrible!'” he said. “But I just don’t want to be so critical because in some ways, I don’t necessarily know exactly what the problem was on that play — let’s say Daniel Jones throws an interception.”
After a mix of laughter and uproar from the NYC crowd, Brady added playfully, “I didn’t mean to say it like that.”
Brady appealed to the crowd, saying, “I wasn’t even being critical of Daniel Jones.” Finally, he said, with a smile: “Well, maybe I was a little bit.”
Yikes. Where’s Eli Manning when you need him?
Giants QB Daniel Jones Must Silence Critics Again in 2024
Manning versus Brady aside, no one can truly silence Jones’ critics this year except the NYG quarterback himself.
In what feels like “Groundhog Day” for most, Jones faces yet another prove-it campaign in 2024. There was a similar vibe ahead of the 2022 season — his first under head coach Brian Daboll — and last year after the Giants and Jones agreed to an extension.
Now, after an injury-ravaged season in 2023, the signal-caller nicknamed “Danny Dimes” must quiet the outside noise once again. And this could be the last time he’s given the opportunity to do so in New York.
It’s no secret that Jones’ contract offers a $30.5 million out in 2025 — which would come via a post-June 1 release. The Giants could also choose to Jones ahead of free agency, shedding nearly 47% of the $41.6 million cap hit for more immediate usage.
With more pieces around him this year than ever before — including first-round wide receiver Malik Nabers and a veteran offensive line — Jones must not only win but put up passing numbers.
In five NFL seasons, the Duke product has never thrown for 3,500 yards or 25 passing touchdowns in one campaign. His career passer rating is an 85.2, and his highest ever regular season QBR was a 62.9 in 2022.
Giants Sign Fullback With Ties to Offensive Line Coach Carmen Bricillo
On the morning of August 16, ESPN’s Adam Schefter announced another Giants signing, veteran fullback Jakob Johnson.
To make room for Johnson, the Giants also “waived/injured TE Tyree Jackson” according to ESPN NYG beat reporter Jordan Raanan.
“[Jackson] was dealing with a back injury and left Thursday’s practice,” Raanan explained. Adding that the tight end “was also supposed to serve as the emergency QB for Saturday’s preseason game against the [Houston] Texans.” Which means Drew Lock (hip/abdomen) should be good to go in that role.
“Johnson was someone I thought they’d sign after hiring [offensive line coach] Carmen Bricillo, then just assumed they didn’t want true a FB when they didn’t,” The Athletic’s Dan Duggan reacted on X. “He’s spent his entire five-year career with Bricillo (3 [years] in New England, 2 in Vegas).”
Duggan also noted that “Johnson has ranked 7th, 9th, 6th and 5th in FB snaps in the past four seasons, respectively.” And that “he’s also been a core special teamer.”
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