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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones caught a glancing blow from Tom Brady at Fanatics Fest.
The New York Giants accomplished something no other NFL franchise could: They defeated future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady in two different Super Bowls.
Of course, there has always been some rivalry between Brady and Big Blue. Perhaps that’s why the famous quarterback-turned-sports commentator made a not-so-subtle joke about current Giants signal-caller Daniel Jones at Fanatics Fest NYC that New York Post reporter Ryan Dunleavy called a “cheap trick.”
Sports betting analyst Ben Fawkes shared a video on August 16 and wrote: “Giants QB Daniel Jones catches a ball from Tom Brady at #FanaticsFest.”
Speaking to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Brady discussed what he can and cannot say when he starts his job as a sports commentator for Fox Sports in the fall.
“If I did it myself — let’s say I threw a really bad interception pass — I would go to the sideline and say, ‘You’re the worst quarterback in the world, how could you throw that? That was terrible!'” he said. “But I don’t want to be that critical because in some ways I don’t necessarily know exactly what the problem was with that play — let’s say Daniel Jones throws an interception pass.”
After a mixture of laughter and uproar from the crowd in New York, Brady jokingly added, “I didn’t mean to say that.”
Brady appealed to the crowd and said, “I never once criticized Daniel Jones.” Finally, smiling, he said, “Well, maybe a little.”
Oops. Where is Eli Manning when you need him?
Giants QB Daniel Jones must silence critics again in 2024
Aside from the Manning-Brady duel, no one can really silence Jones’ critics this year except the NYG quarterback himself.
For most, it feels like Groundhog Day, as Jones faces another season to prove himself in 2024. A similar mood prevailed before the 2022 season – his first under head coach Brian Daboll – and last year after the Giants and Jones agreed to a contract extension.
Now, after an injury-plagued 2023 season, the signal-caller nicknamed “Danny Dimes” will once again have to silence the outside noise. And this could be the last time he gets the chance to do so in New York.
It’s no secret that Jones’ contract offers a $30.5 million buyout bonus in 2025 — which could be paid out after June 1. The Giants could also opt for Jones before free agency, saving nearly 47% of the $41.6 million salary cap for more immediate use.
With more players 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 also deliver good passing numbers.
In five NFL seasons, the Duke product has never thrown for 3,500 yards or 25 passing touchdowns in a season. His career passer rating is 85.2 and his highest regular-season QBR was 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 the signing of another Giants player: veteran fullback Jakob Johnson.
To make room for Johnson, the Giants also “released or injured TE Tyree Jackson,” according to ESPN NYG reporter Jordan Raanan.
“(Jackson) was dealing with a back injury and left practice on Thursday,” Raanan explained, adding that the tight end “should also serve as an emergency QB for Saturday’s preseason game against the (Houston) Texans.” That means Drew Lock (hip/abdomen) should be a good fit for that role.
“I thought they were going to sign Johnson after they hired (offensive line coach) Carmen Bricillo. Then they just assumed they didn’t want a true FB when that wasn’t the case,” Dan Duggan of The Athletic responded to X. “He spent his entire five-year career with Bricillo (3 (years) in New England, 2 in Vegas).”
Duggan also noted that “Johnson ranked 7th, 9th, 6th and 5th in FB snaps over the last four seasons.” And that “he was also a key special teamer.”
Michael Obermuller covers the NFL and NHL for Heavy.com, where he began writing in 2021. His focus includes the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins, as well as the New York Rangers and New York Islanders. He is a native of the New York City area and a graduate of Quinnipiac University. His previous writing includes FanDuels The Duel, King Fantasy Sports and Pro Football Mania. More about Michael Obermuller
