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Sunday, if the Giants call on quarterback Tyrod Taylor for his 54th career start, he will play to win and with something to prove.
Early indications are that the Giants intend to sit key starters (several have already been notified, a source told The Post, although head coach Brian Daboll indicated otherwise), which could present an opportunity for Taylor to temporarily replace Daniel Jones.
Taylor, 33, discovered five years ago with the Bills that performance is not a given as Buffalo became one of the few teams to change quarterbacks after entering the playoffs. Therefore, he does not see a game versus the Eagles with no playoff implications as unimportant.
Taylor told The Post, “I’m always ready for the opportunity, but obviously that’s Coach Dabes’ call.” “As a player, whenever you have the opportunity to compete, you are representing your last name, but more importantly, you are representing the organization, so it is never without significance. It’s a league of proof. Any opportunity to demonstrate your abilities must be taken seriously.”
Daniel Jones could be replaced by Tyrod Taylor on Sunday.
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Taylor led the Bills to a 22-20 record as a starter from 2015 to 2017. In the most recent of these victories, he threw for 204 yards and a score to defeat the Dolphins in a must-win regular-season finale that secured a playoff berth. However, following a first-round loss, the Bills traded Taylor and subsequently drafted Josh Allen.
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When asked to reflect on the trade, Taylor stated on Thursday, “My time there was up, for whatever reason that may have been.” “During my three years at that institution, I have accomplished a great deal. I was able to assist a team in breaking its 17-year playoff drought.
“I was certainly startled, but when you have a [first-year] head coach and general manager, you never know what to expect and have to be somewhat prepared for the worse. I’ve played long enough to be conditioned to be unsurprised by anything and to control what I can control. “At that time, coming off a successful year, I was as confident in myself as I have ever been, and I still am.”
This season, Jones has duplicated Taylor’s accomplishment by guiding the Giants to an unexpected postseason appearance, the team’s second in 11 years. Jones will become a free agency at the conclusion of the season, whereas Taylor had one year remaining on his contract when he was traded to the Browns to serve as a bridge to Baker Mayfield.
The Giants’ Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, who was the Bills’ assistant general manager when they risked taking a step back with a rookie quarterback in 2018 after making the playoffs early for the chance of a long-term jump forward, will not miss the parallels.
Taylor stated, “We surprised many people in Buffalo in 2017, not only in the league but also within our building.” “I believe Daniel has demonstrated [his status as quarterback]. Each week, he has competed at a high level and placed the team in position to be successful. You can never truly understand the thought processes of decision-makers. The instant you attempt to do so, you lose concentration as a player.”
Taylor, who signed a two-year, $11 million contract during the offseason, is the lone Giants quarterback with a contract for the next season.
The Chargers’ mishandling of Taylor’s rib injury in Week 3 of the 2020 season prevented him from starting ahead of rookie Justin Herbert. In Week 2 of the previous season, an unfortunate hamstring injury forced the Texans to resort to rookie Davis Mills. In Week 4 of this season, a concussion prevented Taylor from participating in any major action behind Jones.
Taylor stated, “It’s a harsh reality at times, but there are opportunities to learn and grow from unfortunate and difficult circumstances.”
The Giants are one of 11 teams out of 32 that have started the same quarterback in all 16 games this season. Taylor replaced Jones in the middle of a set last week so that Jones could receive a standing ovation from the home crowd during the playoff-clinching rout.
Mike Kafka, the offensive coordinator, stated, “Tyrod is a great addition to that quarterback room.” “He assists not just the players but also the coaches. I frequently rely on him and his experience. He is a valuable asset.”
The Giants may potentially utilize Davis Webb, their third-string quarterback, or a mix of Taylor and Webb.
Taylor stated, “I’m a fan of all the guys in this locker room.” We worked hard and had an exceptional year.
»Daniel Jones’ final regular-season game for the Giants could be started by Tyrod Taylor«