‘Gratifying’ to see Daniel Jones come into his own
John Mara, New York Giants coowner, has received a lot of criticism in recent years. He’s cycled through general managers and head coaches like Tic-Tacs and repeatedly professed his support for controversial first-round pick Daniel Jones.
In January of 2022, at the time of Joe Schoen’s hiring, Mara shouldered the blame for Jones’ early-career inconsistency.
“We’ve done everything possible to screw this kid up since he’s been here. We keep switching coaches, keeping changing offensive coordinators and keeping changing offensive line coaches. I take a lot of responsibility for that,” Mara said.
“I have a lot of hope in Daniel, and I know how badly he wants it. I understand how the players feel about Daniel. We are certainly not giving up on him by any stretch of the imagination.”
At the time, this was not a common opinion. Many of the fans and the entirety of the national media were certain Jones didn’t have what it takes. Jones was dismissed and the calls for a new quarterback grew louder.
When the Giants declined Jones’ fifth-year option and signed quarterback Tyrod Taylor in free agency, many assumed that was the end of the story. Jones could probably keep his job if it was possible.
Jones was determined to take control of his future. He excelled with the support of Mara Schoen, Brian Daboll, and his first-year head coach.
Jones single-handedly defeated the Giants Sunday by putting them on his back. carried them into the playoffs For the first time since 2016, he scored a touchdown. It was his first appearance since 2016.
When Jones was taken out of the game, he was met with a deafening roar from the fans, many of whom chanted “MVP.”
After the game, a smiling Mara acknowledged how gratifying it’s been to see Jones come into his own and lead the team like the owner always believed he could.
Jones has made quite a lot of money this season. But you can imagine Mara and Schoen being happy to pay it. DJ is their franchise quarterback.
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