Headline: Daniel Jones Faces Criticism After Poor Performance Against Seahawks: Arik Armstead Calls Him Out
Subtitle: Giants Quarterback’s Struggles on Monday Night Football Draw Social Media Criticism
Date: October 4, 2023
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is no stranger to criticism, especially from his fellow NFL players. After a disappointing performance against the Seattle Seahawks on “Monday Night Football,” Jones found himself at the center of attention as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Arik Armstead playfully called him out on social media.
The Seahawks tied their franchise-record of 11 sacks in their dominant 24-3 victory over the Giants. Jones bore the brunt of the relentless pressure, being sacked 10 times and throwing two interceptions while also losing a fumble.
In contrast, when the 49ers faced the Giants in Week 3, Jones managed to avoid the same level of pressure from San Francisco’s formidable defensive line. He was sacked only twice as the 49ers secured a 30-12 victory. Jones utilized a cautious approach, opting for quick, short passes to avoid being taken down by Nick Bosa and his teammates.
All of this came after a series of trash-talking exchanges between the Giants and 49ers. Armstead had previously criticized New York players, including defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. This time, he directed his playful criticism at Jones for opting to throw the ball quickly against the 49ers, allowing them to have a successful game.
Following the showdown between the 49ers and Giants, tensions remained high. In-game scuffles led to fines for San Francisco left tackle Trent Williams and Giants defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson. Additionally, some 49ers defensive players took shots at Jones’ lucrative contract after the victory, adding fuel to the fire.
Trash talking is a common occurrence in the NFL, and these two teams are no exception. However, the off-field comments can sometimes hit harder than the blows on the gridiron.
It remains to be seen how Jones will respond to Armstead’s social media jab, but the criticism serves as a reminder of the high-pressure nature of the quarterback position in the NFL. With expectations to perform at a high level week after week, even the slightest underperformance can bring forth significant scrutiny.