Aug 1, 2024; Hackensack, NJ, USA; New York Giants President and CEO John Mara speaks during a ceremony to unveil a mural celebrating the New York Giants 100th season at Hackensack University Medical Center.
Syndication: The Record
(East Rutherford, NJ) – Giants owner John Mara spoke recently about his expectations for the 2024 season, and what that could mean for general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.
After a postseason appearance and wildcard win in 2022, Big Blue came crashing back down to earth earning just six wins. New York has been owned by the Mara family since their inception in 1925, and third generation owner John wants to continue with winning history.
His vision for 2024 is “to take a big step forward…It’s hard to articulate my expectations. I obviously want to show significant improvement over last year. But I’m not going to make any specific guarantees or demands or anything like that. But they [Schoen and Daboll] know what I want to see.”
While a lackluster 2023 was credited to injuries at the quarterback and offensive line positions, Daboll certainly can’t be comfortable even after winning Coach of the Year just two years ago. Mara says there isn’t necessarily a number of wins or a guaranteed playoff spot that would influence his decision, but rather the comfort that his team is trending up.
“I want to walk off the field at the end of the season like we’re moving in the right direction, we really are. We’ve got a great foundation here and there’s every reason to be optimistic going forward.”
The most influential factor on the field entering this season is the return of Daniel Jones. Jones was at the helm for the win in Minnesota for the Giants’ first postseason win since their Super Bowl in 2011. An injury-riddled season left much to be desired as he went just 1-5 following that run.
Despite his lack of success, Mara is happy that the team retained Jones in the 2023 offseason. “Last year, he got hurt and let’s be honest, when he was playing, we weren’t blocking anybody. So, let’s give him a chance with a better offensive line with some weapons around him to see what he can do.”
Mara then added, “He’s a real professional, he understands this business and if anything, I’m sure it probably motivates him, and he doesn’t need to be motivated. There’s no harder worker in that building. I think he handled it like the professional that he is, and I expect him to have a great season.”
Across the board there are high expectations from ownership to perform in 2024. Schoen, Daboll, and Jones are all entering make-or-break seasons – but with significant offseasons additions to the offensive line and rookie Malik Nabers, Daboll will look to once again live up to the hype of an offensive-guru.
