Jones Reflects on Vikings Experience Compared to Giants
Daniel Jones has expressed high regard for Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and his approach, which stands in contrast to his experience with the Giants under Brian Daboll.
In a discussion on the podcast “Fitz and Whit” with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andrew Whitworth, Jones shared insights into how his preparation evolved after joining the Vikings last season, following his release from the Giants the previous November. He commented, “I always thought I worked really hard. I tried to prepare, watch film, and study. I think I did that. But then I went to Minnesota and noticed how detailed the coaching staff was, especially with someone like Sam [Darnold]. Kevin and his team, including quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and assistant offensive coordinator Grant Wudynski, were so meticulous about every detail of the game plan. The way they studied and quizzed one another in the quarterback room really impressed me—it felt like a next-level experience.”
Jones, now 28, described his time with the Vikings as “really valuable.”
Things took a turn for Jones when Daboll benched him for Tommy DeVito last November after a rough start, as the team fell to a 2-8 record.
During his last 10 games with the Giants, Jones accumulated 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His record over six seasons with the team was 24-44-1, throwing for 14,582 yards, 70 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions.
In 2022, he played a crucial role in leading the Giants to the playoffs, tallying 3,205 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just five interceptions during Daboll’s first season. He also contributed 708 rushing yards and seven additional touchdowns. The Giants narrowly defeated the Vikings in the wild card round before losing to the Eagles.
After that playoff run, Jones secured a substantial four-year contract worth $160 million, with $81 million guaranteed.
However, his 2023 season didn’t go as planned, as he struggled to a 1-5 record before ultimately ending his year early due to a torn ACL.
This offseason, Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts, securing the starting quarterback position over Anthony Richardson.
So far, in five games, he has thrown for 1,290 yards, six touchdowns, two interceptions, and boasts a completion percentage of 71.3, along with three rushing touchdowns.
