The New York Giants are 2-5 ahead of their crucial matchup with the crosstown rival Jets. But despite the poor start to the year, over the last 2 games, the Giants have finally started to look like the team everyone figured they’d be. They nearly pulled off the upset of the year in Buffalo and beat the division rival Washington Commanders at home.
There’s just one issue: this didn’t happen with Daniel Jones under center, the guy they gave a massive contract extension to in the offseason. Now, the biggest question arguably facing the team right now is why the team looks more competent with backup QB Tyrod Taylor than Daniel Jones. Not all of this is Jones’s making of course. Saquon Barkley sprained his ankle in their Week 2 win in Arizona. It’s not a coincidence that the Giants had their best game of the year offensively when Barkley was fully healthy and running roughshod over a defense. Indeed, since he came back 2 weeks ago, the Giants have looked better. However, it’s not just the running game that’s looked better. Darren Waller, the tight end that was supposed to help take this offense to the next level, has 12 receptions off 15 targets from Taylor, and caught his 1st touchdown of the year last week. Darius Slayton had the most catches he’s had all year in the game against Buffalo. Wan’Dale Robinson has caught 9 of 10 targets from Taylor the last 2 weeks, including 8 catches on 8 receptions in Buffalo. Even Jalin Hyatt, the explosive rookie the Giants just drafted, finally broke out last week and has 5 catches with Taylor, while having just 4 catches all year before that stretch. The offensive line seems to be playing better as well with Taylor under center.
All of this can’t be a good look for Daniel Jones. And what happens if the Giants rack up more wins while Jones is out? They have winnable games coming up on the schedule, including this week against the Jets. Can the Giants go back to Jones if the Giants continue to show improvement under Taylor? It’ll be a tough call for Brian Daboll and the coaching staff.
The NFL is filled with twists and turns for every team, and this is another example of that. It sure makes for great TV!