Daniel Jones is going to get another bite at the Big Blue Apple.
The Giants introduced new general manager Joe Schoen on Wednesday, but it was co-owner John Mara who potentially had the most telling quote of the day.
While Schoen said the stuff that's pretty typical of first-time GMs — including planning to build out an offense that fully supports the incumbent passer — Mara took the full brunt of the blame on Jones' shortcomings.
Speaking with media following Schoen's introduction, Mara took blame for the way Jones' career has unfolded so far.
"We do feel Daniel can play," Mara told media. "We’ve done everything possible to screw this kid up."
#Giants co-owner John Mara on Daniel Jones: “We do feel Daniel can play. We’ve done everything possible to screw this kid up.”
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 26, 2022
Points to coaching/coordinator changes, O Line struggles. Says they need to get everything right around Jones and then make an “intelligent evaluation.”
John Mara on Giants QB Daniel Jones: “We’ve done everything possible to screw this kid up since he’s been here. … We certainly have not given up on Daniel Jones”
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) January 26, 2022
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That isn't much of an overstatement: The Giants are now heading towards their third head coach (and fourth offensive coordinator) while Jones has been under center for the Giants. That's not exactly the most inviting environment for a young QB to grow and adapt in.
To that end, Jones isn't without blame: He has suffered injuries in his last two seasons and turned the ball over at a blistering pace, with 49 turnovers in 38 games.
His 2021 season ended prematurely after he suffered a neck injury in Week 11, but to that point, Jones had thrown 10 touchdowns to seven interceptions on the season, with another three fumbles lost.
Still, the Giants, had issues beyond Jones, including a porous offensive line, injuries to receivers, the coaching conundrum and a general organizational ineptitude during the Dave Gettleman era, which came to an end following 2021.
When asked, Mara said, "we are not trading for Deshaun Watson."
"There's so many reasons why we wouldn't do that," Mara continued. "Cap-wise we couldn't afford it. But more importantly, with the allegations that are out there right now, it's just not the right for us."
New York will have to make a decision on Jones' fifth-year option this offseason, which will keep him all but locked in through the 2023 season.
For now, Schoen goes to work to "build an offense to accentuate what Daniel does best.”
We'll see if Mara and the new regime can un-screw-up their hopeful franchise QB.