Quarterback Competition Brewing In New York With The Giants

By Jordan Long

The New York Giants have their backup quarterback.  Early on it looked like Mitch Trubisky was going to be the target quarterback during free agency.  Trubisky didn’t sign with the Giants but with Pittsburgh to be their next starting quarterback.  The Giants then agreed to a contract with Tyrod Taylor.

                The Giants’ starting quarterback has been Daniel Jones.  They selected him with the 6^th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.  The thinking was that Jones could be their next franchise quarterback.  It hasn’t worked out to this point.  Jones has a disappointing starting record of 12-25, 13 games under .500.  He has passed for 8,398 yards, 45 touchdowns, and 29 interceptions. 

                This offseason, the Giants wanted to add a veteran quarterback for not only quarterback depth but to push Jones.  They now have that with Taylor.

                Taylor will be entering his 12^th NFL season.  The Giants are his 6^th team.  His previous stops in the NFL include Baltimore, Buffalo, Cleveland, L.A. Chargers, and the Houston Texans.  Taylor’s starting record is a little bit better than Jones at 26-25 with 1 tie.   Taylor totaled 10,736 passing yards, 59 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions in his career.  Taylor can see the football field well and will not force things into double coverage.

                The best part of Taylor’s game is the way he can run with the football.  When the pocket breaks down, he is not afraid to tuck the football and run.  Taylor has rushed for 2,001 yards and 19 touchdowns. 

The only downside to him running with the football is the fact that he doesn’t protect it well.  Taylor has fumbled 23 times in his career.  Now, these fumbles could be when he is being pressured as  he drops back and the defenders knock the ball out of his hands. Taylor is lucky it has cost him only one lost fumble.

                The Giants will have a quarterback competition between Taylor and Jones to determine who will be the starting quarterback. Right now, the edge has to go to Jones only because he has been in New York  longer.  The truth is both quarterbacks are even since the Giants have a new Head Coach, Brian Daboll, who is an offensive minded coach.  He will give both quarterbacks a chance to earn the job.  Training camp and preseason games will determine the starter. 

                The Giants at least have two quarterbacks who have played in the NFL.  If one fails during the regular season, the other one can carry the team.  The Giants are anticipating whoever the quarterback is will improve their 4-13 record.