Late in the 2021 season, New York Giants QB Daniel Jones injured his neck and missed the season’s final six games. In those six games, the Giants struggled mightily on offense as quarterbacks Jake Fromm and Mike Glennon were not very good.
After that situation, the Giants knew they had to get a better backup going forward, and they did. In the offseason, Giants GM Joe Schoen, who was in the Bills’ organization when QB Tyrod Taylor was in Buffalo, signed Taylor to a two-year, $11 million contract.
The 33-year-old has been a starter in this league, been a Pro Bowler, and started six games for the Texans last season. He’s definitely an upgrade for the Giants.
The 12-year veteran has been around many situations in the NFL As a backup, it’s hard to be one of the leaders on the team, but he’s a vet, and he can help the younger players on the Giants.
On Wednesday, Taylor discussed his leadership style.
“It’s been different,” Taylor said about his leadership style. “If you would’ve asked me earlier in my career, I was always a lead by example. I think the older you get, the more experience you have you become more comfortable being vocal. Ultimately, how you play and how you execute is what guys are going to respond to the most. For me, go out and do your job each and every day, uplift guys and make the guys better, and trust them. Don’t go out there and try to be Superman. There are 11 guys on the field playing for one goal, and that’s to win the rep and ultimately win the game. Each and every play, like I said, just be detailed in your focus and execution.”
Also, as a backup, Taylor is there to support starter Daniel Jones, who Taylor believes has been impressive.
“Great competitor, friendly, southern,” Taylor said about Jones. “Me and my friends go back and forth on whether Virginia is southern or not. It kind of reminds me of people I grew up with, Virginia and North Carolina. Much respect for Daniel. The way he approaches his job each and every day and the way he goes out and leads. I think just the quarterback room as a whole, we all bring out the best in one another. Whether it’s in competitions, whether it’s in the weight room, whether it’s on the field, we tally up who has the best throws for the day. If you see our board of tallies, it can get crazy, but much respect to Daniel. He’s doing a great job throughout camp.”
Again, Taylor has been a starter numerous times in this league. He’s a competitor, but barring injury or abysmal play from Jones, he’s not going to get many snaps; according to Taylor, he’s just going to stay ready.
“I came in here ready to compete, and that’s what the nature of this game is,” Taylor said. “There is only one quarterback that can play, and you have to be ready at any time when that opportunity presents itself. I’m working each and every day just trying to get better and ready for the opportunity that presents itself.”
