Quarterback Daniel Jones delivered a heartfelt message after the Giants announced his benching earlier this week.
After a disastrous start that saw New York lose their fifth straight game over the weekend, the team announced on Monday that Tommy DeVito will likely get the starting nod on Sunday against Tampa Bay.
On Thursday, Jones addressed the drastic change with a message that had the tone of a farewell speech.
‘The opportunity to play for the New York Giants was truly a dream come true and I’m extremely grateful Mara and Tisch families for the chance to play here,’ Jones said. ‘The Giants are truly a first-class organization and I have nothing but genuine respect and appreciation for the people who have built it and have helped carry on that tradition. ‘
‘I’ve met so many so many special people and created relationships that will truly last a lifetime. Thank you [to] all my teammates, coaches, and staff that have done so much for me these past six years.’
Daniel Jones broke his silence after the Giants announced his benching earlier this week
‘There have been some great times,’ he continued. ‘But, of course, we wish there have been more of those. I take full responsibility for my part and not bringing more wins.
‘No one wanted to win more games worst than me and I gave everything I had in the field and in my preparation and I wish I could have done more.’
Brian Daboll’s team is enduring another miserable campaign after winning just two of their opening 10 fixtures and losing their last five, leaving them bottom of the NFC East. Last season they finished third with a 6-11 record.
Jones, who suffered a torn ACL almost exactly one year ago, has failed to make an impact since returning from that injury, ranking 19th in the league for passing yards with a mere 2,070 and 28th for pass completion on just over 63 percent.
The 27-year-old also has the joint-27th highest number of touchdown passes this season with a mere eight through 10 appearances. Nonetheless, Jones owned up to his shortcomings while running the offense.
‘I did not play well enough, consistently enough, to help the team get the results,’ he admitted. ‘The reality of the NFL is that it’s hard to win games. It requires consistent performance from everyone involved. We didn’t do that well enough so the idea to change something happens and I understand.’
Jones is getting benched amid a tragic start to the Giants’ season after five straight losses
Tommy DeVito is expected to get the nod when the Giants face the Buccaneers on Sunday
‘I love the game, I love being part of the team, I’m excited for the next opportunity, I know that there’s a lot of good football in front of me and I’m excited about that.’
‘To all the fans, I have deep respect and appreciation for your passion and love for the Giants. The fans are a huge part of what makes the Giants so special.’
The Giants selected the Duke product with the sixth pick in 2019 and he has played in 70 games over his six seasons with the franchise.
Since his arrival, the Giants only made the playoffs in 2022 and lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional playoffs. They now sit at the bottom of the NFC East with a 2-8 record, on the verge of missing the postseason yet again.
