Mara says everyone is on hot seat
Giants owner puts team on notice after 18 wins in 4 seasons
New York Giants owner John Mara is sick of losing and expects it to change.
Giving his annual preseason state of the team talk on Tuesday, Mara said the team made progress in Joe Judge’s first season and it looks better — at least on paper — heading into 2021. Now it needs to prove it by winning.
The Giants have not had a winning season since 2016, when they went 11-5. It’s the only time they made the postseason since winning the Super Bowl in February 2012. Over the past four seasons they have won 18 games, including a 6-10 mark last season.
“We’re all on the hot seat, with our fans in particular,” Mara said when asked if general manager Dave Gettleman was facing a must-win season after winning 15 games in his three seasons. “We’ve given them too many losing seasons. It’s time for us to start winning.”
Gettleman and Mara
see a better team in training camp, but the end product needs to be there.
Gettleman believes the Giants are a legitimate playoff contender.
Somewhat echoing his statements of a year ago, Mara said he wants to walk off the field after the last game having a positive feeling about the team. He added one corollary: He wants to walk off the field at that last game feeling this is a team that is capable of winning a fifth Super Bowl in franchise history.
“I’m not issuing a playoff mandate,” Mara said. “I don’t think those ever do you any good. I don’t think I need to say or do anything to motivate the people in this building any more than they’re already motivated. They all want to win.”
The 66-year-old chief executive also said things will have to be re-evaluated if the team takes a step back in this 17-game season.
Mara continues to show unwavering belief in Judge, noting the 39-yearold coach exudes confidence, the players respond to him and he sees the big picture.
“I’m convinced that we have the right guy at the helm,” Mara said.
More Giants: New York sent Isaac Yiadom to the Packers for Josh Jackson in an exchange of fourth-year cornerbacks.
Broncos: Denver signed free agent running back Adrian Killins.
Browns: The Browns are starting another week of practice with defensive ends Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney watching from the sideline. Garrett is dealing with a hamstring issue while Clowney, who has been slowed by injuries throughout his NFL career and had season-ending knee surgery in 2020, has an unspecified injury.
Chiefs: Kansas City waived wide receiver Antonio Callaway and tight end Evan Baylis with injury designations while placing running back Elijah Mcguire on injured reserve.
Eagles: Philadelphia wide receiver Devonta Smith participated in some team drills at
Tuesday’s practice, continuing his return from a knee sprain.
Jaguars: Jacksonville waived Tim Tebow, parting with the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner who switched from quarterback to tight end in hopes of rejuvenating his pro football career.
Lions: Detroit released Don Muhlbach, ending his 17-season career with the franchise. Detroit made the move to create a roster spot to sign former XFL quarterback Jordan Ta’amu.
Panthers: Carolina traded 2020 second-round draft pick Greg Little to the Dolphins for a seventh-round draft pick in 2022 and placed cornerback Troy Pride Jr. on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Raiders: Coach Jon Gruden said he supports Las Vegas’ new policy requiring fans attending regular-season home games to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19. The policy will take effect for the Raiders’ home opener on Sept. 13 against Baltimore. “Every state, every team is probably going to have a different view on this. I support the decision that was made,” Gruden said after practice on Tuesday.
Saints: New Orleans cut cornerback Prince Amukamara and waived kicker Brett Maher with an injury designation.
Seahawks: Seattle signed safety Jamal Adams to a fouryear contract extension that is expected to make the former All-pro the highest-paid safety in the NFL. The deal is expected to be worth up to $70 million and includes $38 million guaranteed.