Tyrod Taylor Impresses as Giants Backup Quarterback in Win Over Washington Commanders
ICARO Media Group
In the recent matchup between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders, Tyrod Taylor, the Giants' veteran backup quarterback, showcased his skills and proved to be a valuable asset to the team's offense. While there is no doubt that Daniel Jones is the starting quarterback when healthy, Taylor's performance in the last two games has raised eyebrows and highlighted the struggles Jones has faced earlier this season.
Taylor's efficiency and smart decision-making played a significant role in revitalizing the struggling Giants' offense. His quick passes and decisive plays helped mitigate the challenges faced by the offensive line, leading to smoother drives and improved overall performance. The Giants' offense amassed a total of 356 yards, their highest in the last five games, with Taylor completing 18 of 29 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns.
One of the key factors contributing to Taylor's success was his ability to remain composed in collapsing pockets. Unlike Jones, who appeared jittery and uncomfortable in recent games, Taylor displayed composure and made accurate throws even when under pressure. His ability to escape trouble and make off-schedule throws proved invaluable to the team's success.
Additionally, Taylor's willingness to take shots downfield resulted in big plays for the Giants' offense. He targeted rookie Jalin Hyatt five times, completing two passes for 75 yards. This marked a notable change in strategy compared to Jones, who had thrown to Hyatt only five times in the first five games. Taylor recognized the importance of utilizing Hyatt's speed and stretching the field, which not only created opportunities for explosive plays but also opened up the mid-range routes.
The return of running back Saquon Barkley also played a significant role in the Giants' offensive improvement. With Barkley back in action, the team's rushing attack gained credibility, forcing defenses to respect the ground game. This, in turn, created more space for Taylor and the passing game, providing him with additional options when throwing the ball. Barkley's mere presence on the field had a positive impact on the Giants' overall offensive performance.
Despite Taylor's impressive showing, it's important to note that the Giants' offense still has room for improvement. The team has been averaging 11.5 points per game during Taylor's two starts, slightly lower than the 12.4 points per game under Jones. However, there is no denying that the offense has shown progress, averaging 336 yards per game with Taylor at the helm compared to 255.2 yards per game under Jones.
While Taylor's success does not warrant any immediate changes in the starting quarterback position, it does provide valuable insights for Jones and the coaching staff to consider. Taylor's quick decision-making, ability to handle pressure, and emphasis on utilizing the team's offensive weapons can serve as a roadmap for the Giants to help Jones find similar success in the future.
As the Giants look ahead to Jones' potential return, they hope to maintain their offensive momentum, with the anticipation that Barkley will still be a factor and further improvement from the offensive line. The coaching staff may emphasize more quick passes, incorporate Hyatt into the game plan, and occasionally take deep shots to keep the defense off-balance.
In the end, Taylor's standout performance serves as a glimpse into what a functional offense can achieve. While it may not change the Giants' opinion on their franchise quarterback, it provides them with valuable insights and motivates them to find ways to support Jones and elevate the team's overall offensive production.