John Mara admitted he regrets the way the New York Giants handled the benching of Eli Manning.

Manning refused an option to start Sunday's game against Oakland before likely sitting in the second half for Geno Smith.

"Maybe the timing of it could have been a little different. I wish I could've been here when that was all going down," said co-owner John Mara, who was attending owners' meetings in New York when the decision was made on Tuesday. "What I did not expect -- and this was my fault; maybe I was naïve. I did not expect Eli to react by saying to go ahead and start the other guys.

"I understand, especially after speaking with him [Wednesday]. I completely understand, but that took me by surprise a bit and maybe I would've handled that a little differently."

Manning has had an inconsistent career though he's won two Super Bowls. The Giants currently have a 2-9 record.