The New York Giants looked strong in their 14–7 win over the Washington Commanders in Week 7 and QB Tyrod Taylor was a major catalyst for their success. Has he given starter Daniel Jones a reason to look over his shoulder?
The Giants Fed off of Taylor’s Command of the Offense
Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports views the starting role as all Taylor’s, as the Giants put together their best outing since Week 2:
“The Giants certainly looked better offensively with Taylor than they did with Jones on Sunday, even if they only scored 14 points,” Kerr said. “They actually had a first-half offensive touchdown — their first of the season — and not one but two! Taylor led the Giants offense to 356 yards, their highest total in a game since Week 2.”
Taylor’s decision-making under center brought a lot of “firsts” for the team this past Sunday. Aside from his 279 passing yards and two touchdowns on the game, the Giants had six 20-plus yard gains in the first half — the most they have put together in 2023.
The defense backed him up by holding the Commanders scoreless through the first two quarters including four three-and-outs in the first 22 minutes of play — another first for the team on the other side of the football.
Taylor’s precise passing to TE Darren Waller helped the veteran pass catcher record a season-high 98 receiving yards and his first receiving touchdown of the season.
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A Side-By-Side Comparison of the Giants’ Quarterbacks
Jones has thrown an interception in five of his six games played and already has 10 total turnovers on the young season. Taylor has taken care of the football through two starts. He has yet to cough up an interception and his one fumble was recovered.
The Giants are getting the ball down the field at a higher rate with Taylor outpacing Jones in yards per attempt. They’ve also narrowed their margin of defeat with Taylor keeping the Giants alive through much of their 14–9 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Both Jones and Taylor are known for their mobility so scrambling out of the pocket and breaking free for gains on the ground won’t be compromised with whichever quarterback is on the field. Though, Jones outpaces Taylor, having twice gone for 50 or more rushing yards.
Jones’ neck injury left him questionable throughout much of last week before being a late scratch moments before the Giants took the field against the commanders.
Should Jones be sidelined again for the Giants’ Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets, another strong performance from Taylor will put pressure on head coach Brian Daboll, especially if they earn the win and narrow the gap in the NFC East standings.