Giants Country

Former Eagles QB Donovan McNabb Not a Daniel Jones Fan

The former Eagles signal caller didn't mince words when it came to the current Giants quarterback.

Patricia Traina

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Count former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb among the masses who are not impressed with New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.

McNabb, appearing on his podcast "The Five Spot with Donovan McNabb," in comments made to OutKick senior NFL writer Armando Salguero, made his feelings about Jones quite clear. 

“Well, you know what, when you look at their offense — and (Giants head coach Brian) Daboll was supposed to be kind of a quarterback whisperer — I didn’t see that last year,” McNabb said of Jones. “I was looking forward to this upcoming season to see changes in Daniel Jones because, to be honest with you, I’m not a big Daniel Jones fan.”

McNabb is among those who feel the Giants errored in signing Jones to a four-year, $160 million contract this past off-season instead of being more proactive in trying to get running back Saquon Barkley locked up for the long term.

"I think just since he's been drafted and even in that draft class, he hasn't separated himself to be rewarded with this contract," McNabb said. "I think they gave it to him because they didn't want to give the big splash money to Saquon Barkley."

McNabb didn't fully blame Jones for the offense's woes, noting that New York has had issues in the dropback game, not utilizing play action and struggling to run the ball. 

McNabb said he also doesn't understand why people have treated Jones with kid gloves while Russell Wilson of the Broncos got dragged for his poor play last year.

“I want the same energy from everybody who watched the Denver Broncos last year with Russell Wilson when he got his contract,” he said. “I thought that the world came down on Russell more than they are right now and Daniel Jones.”

McNabb spent 11 of his 13-year career with the Eagles (1999-2009), recording a 12-10 record (including postseason) against the Giants. McNabb finished his career by playing one season for the Vikings and Commanders.

Like his predecessor, Eli Manning, Jones has shown himself to have thick skin when faced with criticism. He's also been more than willing to admit when he has to play better, such as what he did after the Giants lost to the San Francisco 49ers last week.

Moreover, according to Jones's teammates, he's still very much the same guy he was before he got his big payday in terms of his work ethic, which is more than can be said for some players who end up cashing in only to take their foot off the gas pedal.

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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