New York Giants principal owner John Mara expressed disappointment on several issues including Odell Beckham Jr.
New York Giants principal owner John Mara addressed the current status of his team, which currently sits at the depths of the NFL
Attending the NFL owners’ meetings held in New York City, Mara expressed displeasure over several team issues, including the fact that the team has started 1-5 for the second consecutive season.
“I’m still embarrassed being 1-5,” Mara said, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. “I can’t stand up here and make any excuses about that. You are what your record says you are, as a wise man once said, and there’s nothing I can say to make people feel better about that. I’m suffering just as much as our fans are, probably more.”
Mara referenced the Giants’ current record seven separate times. In speaking with reporters in New York, he got into specifics with his disappointment when talking about Odell Beckham Jr.’s polarizing interview with ESPN’s Josina Anderson alongside rapper Lil Wayne.
Aired during Sept. 30 edition of the network’s Sunday NFL Countdown pregame show, Beckham hinted he was not entirely happy in New York and responded with “I don’t know” when asked if quarterback Eli Manning was the problem.
“I wish he would create the headlines by his play on the field as opposed to what he says and what he does off the field,” Mara said. “I think he needs to do a little more playing and a little less talking.”
John Mara on Odell Beckham: "I think he needs to do a little more playing and a little less talking."
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) October 16, 2018
Also namedropped was Manning, who Giants tenure may end sooner rather than later if his inconsistent play continues. Mara offered lukewarm support for the long-time Giants quarterback.
“We still believe in him, but everybody needs to do their jobs in order for us to be successful, and right now that’s not happening,” he said. “I know he’s the punching bag right now, but a lot of guys need to play better when you’re 1-5.”
Mara, 63, did not express regret in foregoing the chance to take a quarterback with the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, expressing contentment with the eventual selection, running back Saquon Barkley. The Penn State product currently ranks sixth in the league in rushing with 438 yards.
“We took the best player in the draft,” Mara said. “I’m thrilled with what he’s accomplished so far, and I think the sky’s the limit for him.”
Sitting a 1-5, miraculously still somewhat alive in the NFC playoff hunt thanks to a terrible division, will next play on Monday night on the road against the Atlanta Falcons (8:20 p.m. ET, ESPN).
“I think we’re getting some guys back healthy this week, and hopefully that will give us some more spark,” Mara said. “I think we have more talent on the roster than 1-5, but what does that mean? We’re 1-5.”
For Mara’s full comments, check out the full transcription from NFL Network’s Kimberly Jones.
