Darius Slayton stands up for Giants teammate Daniel Jones, blames ‘negative narrative’ for criticism of QB

It’s admirable for Slayton to carry the torch for his quarterback. However, there is a reason the Giants looked into trading up during the draft to potentially select a QB.

Comparing Jones’ game to Herbert’s, whether through statistics or film, doesn’t land in the Giants’ favor. Jones has never thrown for more than 3,205 yards. Herbert has been over 4,300 yards in three of his four seasons (3,134 in 13 games in 2023). I think we can believe coaches — former and current — who have gushed over Herbert’s talent, smarts and processing.

Slayton continued to back his QB, who signed a $160 million extension in March 2023, by suggesting that others don’t face the same heat.

“The thing with the money is, that’s what quarterbacks get paid,” Slayton said. “You don’t see anybody talking about Derek Carr. And I actually think Derek Carr’s a good quarterback. But I’m just saying, what did the Saints do?

“Derek Carr could do something bad three weeks in a row and you would hear nothing about it. I don’t even know what he did this preseason. I don’t know if he’s played good or bad this preseason. But D.J. is on Good Morning Football. It’s just not the same. But it is what it is.”

Slayton clearly hasn’t read any of the press clippings from the Bayou, which have noted the struggles of Carr and the offense this offseason.

Those are probably enough whataboutisms.

The Giants wideout is correct that New York players are under scrutiny others might avoid. That’s the double-edged sword of playing for a Big Apple club. Win, and you’re immediately enshrined. Struggle, and you’re lambasted at an extraordinary level. Those blaring lights helped Jones get paid $40 million per year. They’re now shining on struggles as the QB comes back from injury.

The best thing about “narratives” is that they blow with the wind. Jones, Slayton and the rest of the Giants can change the storylines when the season commences in 16 days.