The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Co-owner Mara rips into Giants, Beckham
When you’re 1-5, no one is spared from criticism. Especially from Giants president and co-owner John Mara, who could barely hide his contempt for the team’s brutal start.
Not long before gathering with his fellow owners at the NFL’s annual October meetings in New York, the Giants president and co-owner ripped into his team and offered no excuses for putting up the same record after six games as last year’s team.
“I’m sick about it, particularly the way we’ve disappointed our fans,” Mara said. “To start out like this is very disappointing. I don’t think you ever expect to go 1-5. I’m still embarrassed being 1-5. I can’t stand up here and make any excuses about that. You are what your record says you are, as a wise man (named Bill Parcells) once said. Nothing I can say that will make me feel better about that.”
Mara particularly is upset at star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who earned a $95 million contract extension over the summer but created plenty of controversy with his remarks in an ESPN interview that aired nine days ago. In the interview, he questioned whether Eli Manning was the biggest problem with the offense, wondered whether coach Pat Shurmur was being outschemed by opponents and suggested he wasn’t entirely happy living in the New York area.
“I wish he would create the headlines by his play on the field, as opposed to what he says and does off the field,” Mara said. “I think he needs to do a little more playing and a little less talking.”
Mara said he did not talk to Beckham after the interview aired, although Beckham was fined by the team for his remarks.
“I think enough people have spoken to him,” Mara said.
Beckham’s questions about Manning may be accurate, because the 37-year-old quarterback has struggled. In a league where passing offenses are routinely putting up huge point totals — the 48.3 points per game average is the highest in NFL history after six games — Manning’s numbers are decidedly tepid. He has six touchdown passes and four interceptions.
Mara acknowledged Manning’s struggles, although he didn’t blame just the quarterback for the team’s weak offense.
“I think when you’re 1-5, it generally means that everybody needs to play better,” Mara said. “So (Manning) is not alone. A lot of guys just need to do their jobs.”
Is the team still committed to Manning?
“We still believe in him,” Mara said, then paused a moment. “He’s been our quarterback. He’s still under contract. I know he’s the punching bag right now, but a lot of guys need to play better. When you’re 1-5, it’s not just him. Everybody needs to do their jobs in order for us to be successful, and right now, that’s not happening.”