John

Mara

Mara commented on the Giants’ state at the premier of late Giants owner Wellington Mara’s documentary. Primarily referring to head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, Mara said he does not anticipate making changes either in-season, or in the offseason. This is a vote of confidence in Daboll and Schoen’s leadership of the team, though the non-changes may end there. QB Daniel Jones has fallen short of expectations and Mara did not discuss Jones during this conversation. The Giants currently stand at 2-5 and Mara’s comments indicate that at least the leadership at the top - Daboll and Schoen - won’t change any time soon.

The Giants let go of both head coach Joe Judge and GM Dave Gettleman – who technically “retired” – after Week 18, and they will evidently find a new general manager before they start looking for a new coach. Mara went on to acknowledge that it was difficult to be optimistic about the direction the Giants were headed in under the previous regime, but he went on to express that he hopes the next coach and general manager will lead the G-Men to the success ownership is hoping for.

“We support Governor Murphy’s decision in the interest of public health and safety and, until circumstances change, both the Jets and Giants will play our games without the benefit of fans in attendance.” This includes fans being outlawed from training camp practices. Most NFL teams have been slow in revealing plans for the next month and beyond, but expect many to follow this line of decision making.

Mara is on the competition committee, so he’s well informed on the matter. The NFL is currently reviewing options to improve upon the semi-broken replay system. While the final vote isn’t in, it appears that there will only be minor changes to the 2018 system. Some fans in a certain Louisiana city want teams to have the ability to review pass interference.

Mara said fans simply did not want Kap on the Giants. “It wasn’t one or two letters. It was a lot,” he added. “It’s an emotional, emotional issue.” Apparently more emotional than employing admitted abuser Josh Brown. While Kaepernick’s level of play certainly deserves scrutiny, it is clear some front offices are scared of the potential backlash associated with signing him.

Mara slipped at her home during a recent ice storm on January 18 and suffered a head injury that eventually took her life Sunday morning. She was the wife of former Giants co-owner Wellington Mara, who passed in 2005, and the mother of current Giants president and CEO John Mara. Ann was often dubbed the “First Lady of Football.” The Maras have owned the Giants since their inception.