Just days after an unceremonious exit from the New York Giants, Daniel Jones found himself donning purple and gold. On Friday, the Minnesota Vikings gave the QB what people call a “new lease on life” by signing the latter to their practice squad. But here’s the kicker—did Jones take a subtle jab at Brian Daboll, while hyping up Kevin O’Connell? That’s for you to chew on. But his comments were definitely clear.

As per a video uploaded by the QB’s new team, Jones was seen heavily praising his new boss aka Kevin O’Donnell. “You know, he played the position in the league and has a lot of experience as a coach. I got to know him through the draft a little bit when he was in Washington…” A little too on-the-nose, maybe? Especially considering how his time under Daboll’s wing didn’t exactly lead to a Pro Bowl resume.

But he was just getting started. Jones further went on to credit O’Connell for the Vikings’ stellar 9-2 start, saying, “I think his system’s been successful. He knows quarterback play, knows how to build the QB environment, and I think just being a part of that and learning from him was a great opportunity for me.” Translation? O’Connell’s QB-friendly system might be just what Jones needs after a rocky run in New York.

Interestingly, this comes amid the surmounting pressure on Brian Daboll as the Giants continue to battle a lackluster (2-10) season, with or without Jones. In the team’s Thanksgiving Day clash against the Dallas Cowboys with Drew Lock as the starting QB, the Giants lost 27-20, to become NFL’s first 10-loss team this season—and the first eliminated from playoff contention. This has, as expected, raised countless questions on Daboll’s play-calling caliber, with the team’s wide receiver Malik Nabers leading the list of critics…

After the Giants lost 30-7 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12, Nabers didn’t hold back. In a post-game conversation, describing the loss as “soft as f**k” he said, “I’m tired of going out there and losing. … I go out there the first, second quarter, I don’t get the ball. Start getting targets at the end. I mean, can’t do nothing. Start getting the ball when it’s 30-0. What do you want me to do?” before adding, “It ain’t the quarterback. It was the same outcome when we had [Daniel Jones] at quarterback. Take a look. It ain’t the quarterback. … I don’t know what it is. I know I’m tired of losing.” Well, it can’t get more direct than this.

However, later, the WR clarified, “So, yeah, if I had an opportunity to go back and change the words I said, I would. But, I still stand on what I said. I said it. I don’t have no regrets with what I said. But like I said, as I look at it on the film, we just lacked technique.” 

The team’s defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence also seemed to agree with his teammate—another sign of frustration within the locker room. “We played soft and they beat the s–t out of us today,” he said. The nose tackle described himself as “extremely angry” with his frustration level at “probably a 10”.

“I’m with you, I’m tired of losing. This season we have a good team, and this season is not turning out the way it should, and it’s frustrating and I get his frustration. I have it, too,” Lawrence concluded. But if you ask the Giants HC, there’s nothing wrong right now, and it will never be that way.

Squashing any rumors of tension within the locker room, Daboll firmly stated, “I feel good about our communication with the players, with the coaches. Certainly not happy about the results, but I expect a lot from those guys, and they should expect a lot from me. Again, there’s good communication process, but when you lose like that, it’s a frustrating thing.” And his reaction surrounding rumors of his dismissal? Well…

When asked by a reporter if he was worried about his job security after the Thanksgiving loss, the HC simply stated, “No,” before adding, “I don’t like the results. Nobody likes the results. But, again, I have confidence in the people. Just have to get better.”

Having said that, do you know about the cherry on the cake for Daniel Jones on his Minnesota call-up? Jones is still pocketing $11 million from the Giants. So, while he’s learning the ropes in Minnesota, he’s still cashing New York checks. My man is screaming, SKOL! with every sip of this sweet chaos.

Now, as to whether Jones’s monologue was a genuine compliment or a subtle way of saying “Hey, I needed Kevin kinda coach,” one thing’s clear—the QB sounds thrilled, but he isn’t the only one excited for this new start… Kevin O’Connell is too.

Kevin O’Connell’s ready to work with Daniel Jones

When Daniel Jones walked into the TCO Performance Center, Kevin O’Connell couldn’t resist bantering with him. “Our team’s really excited about getting back to U.S. Bank Stadium. I’m sure you are, too.” Remember the Giants’ big playoff win there against the Vikings in 2022? Yeah, that’s what Kevin was referencing at. I mean, he really knows how to make it a comfortable environment for his players. No wonder Jones said what he said.

Now, with Jones joining the squad, O’Connell has a bit of a juggling act ahead. Sure, the QB room just got a little crowded. But this isn’t just about stacking up talent—O’Connell’s got to figure out where Jones fits into the mix. Especially with Sam Darnold leading the charge and JJ McCarthy looking like the next big thing. Well, he is the future of the franchise, so don’t mind him.

However, O’Connell’s not taking any chances with Jones; he’s got to make sure the veteran QB’s ready to step in if needed. “You’re really doing two things at once,” O’Connell explained. “You’re building a longer-term foundation but also staying focused on the present.”

For Jones, it’s all about taking the next step. O’Connell’s got his eye on the fundamentals, but he also has to consider how Jones’ strengths from New York could translate into Minnesota’s offense. “We want to make sure we’re not wasting time on the present,” O’Connell said.

But don’t lose hope on Jones just yet. Sure, Darnold has got Minnesota to a 9-2 start from under center. And sure, Jones’ run in New York wasn’t GIANT (8 TDs to 7 INTs, yikes!), but he’s a good cover if QB1 is down. With postseason breathing down the neck, it’s better to be safe than sorry.