Why is Tyrod Taylor playing? This question has been on the minds of many football fans since he was traded to the New York Giants in March 2023. Taylor is a veteran quarterback with a lot of experience, but he is not considered to be a top-tier player.
So why did the Giants trade for him? And what does his presence mean for the team’s future?
In this article, we will take a closer look at Tyrod Taylor’s career and his current situation with the Giants. We will also discuss his role on the team and his impact on their overall performance.
Tyrod Taylor’s NFL Career
Tyrod Taylor, a quarterback, has had a notable career in the National Football League (NFL) since his debut in 2011. He has demonstrated consistent performance and leadership on the field, making significant contributions to the teams he has played for.
Taylor began his NFL journey with the Baltimore Ravens as a backup quarterback, but it was with the Buffalo Bills that he established himself as a reliable starter. During his tenure with the Bills, he led the team to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2017 and 2018, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2015.
Career Highlights
- Pro Bowl selection in 2015
- Led the Buffalo Bills to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2017 and 2018
- Finished the 2015 season with a career-high passer rating of 99.4
- Recorded a career-high 2,799 passing yards in 2015
- Rushed for a career-high 580 yards in 2016
Notable Performances
Taylor has had several notable performances throughout his career, including leading the Bills to a 16-13 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts in 2017. He threw for 215 yards and rushed for 53 yards in that game, showcasing his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs.
In 2015, Taylor had a standout performance against the Tennessee Titans, completing 14 of 18 passes for 253 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for 41 yards in the Bills’ 34-18 victory.
Current Situation and Team Dynamics
Tyrod Taylor currently plays for the New York Giants, who are in a rebuilding phase under head coach Brian Daboll. The Giants finished the 2022 season with a disappointing 9-8 record, missing the playoffs.
The Giants have a young and talented roster, with several key players on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they have a promising young quarterback in Daniel Jones, as well as a solid running back duo in Saquon Barkley and Matt Breida.
The Giants also have a number of talented wide receivers, including Kenny Golladay, Darius Slayton, and Sterling Shepard.
Defensively, the Giants have a number of young players who are starting to come into their own. Linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, defensive end Leonard Williams, and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson are all talented players who have the potential to be stars. The Giants also have a solid secondary, led by safety Xavier McKinney and cornerback Darnay Holmes.
Strengths
- Young and talented roster with several key players on both sides of the ball.
- Promising young quarterback in Daniel Jones.
- Solid running back duo in Saquon Barkley and Matt Breida.
- Talented wide receiver group.
- Young and talented defense with several players who are starting to come into their own.
Weaknesses
- Offensive line is a major concern.
- Daniel Jones has been inconsistent and injury-prone.
- Secondary is not as strong as it could be.
- Giants have a number of holes on their roster, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary.
Taylor’s Role and Impact: Why Is Tyrod Taylor Playing
Tyrod Taylor has emerged as a valuable asset for the New York Giants, filling the role of backup quarterback with experience and leadership. As a veteran with a decade of NFL experience, he provides guidance and support to the starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, while also being ready to step in as a capable replacement if needed.
On-Field Impact
Taylor’s primary impact lies in his ability to provide stability and depth to the quarterback position. His experience allows him to quickly adapt to the team’s offensive scheme and make quick decisions on the field. While he may not be a regular starter, his presence gives the Giants confidence that they have a reliable option in case of injury or poor performance from Jones.
Off-Field Impact
Beyond his on-field contributions, Taylor also plays a crucial role in the team’s overall dynamic. As a veteran leader, he provides mentorship to younger players, particularly Jones. His experience and knowledge of the game help foster a positive and supportive environment within the team.
Specific Role in Offensive Scheme
Within the Giants’ offensive scheme, Taylor’s role is primarily as a backup quarterback. He is responsible for studying the playbook, understanding the team’s game plan, and being prepared to enter the game at a moment’s notice. While he may not see regular playing time, his presence on the sidelines ensures that the team is prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
Impact on Team Performance and Success
Taylor’s impact on the team’s overall performance and success is indirect but significant. By providing stability and depth at the quarterback position, he gives the Giants confidence that they have a capable backup who can step in and perform if needed.
This allows the team to focus on developing Jones as the starting quarterback without the pressure of having an inexperienced backup.
Comparison to Other Quarterbacks
Tyrod Taylor’s playing style and statistics stack up well against other quarterbacks in the league. He is a mobile quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs. In terms of passing statistics, Taylor is a solid performer.
He has a career completion percentage of 62.1%, with 58 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. He also has a career passer rating of 88.5.
Taylor’s mobility is one of his biggest strengths. He is a dangerous runner who can pick up yards on the ground and extend plays with his legs. He has rushed for over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns in his career.
One area where Taylor could improve is his decision-making. He has a tendency to make poor decisions at times, which can lead to turnovers. He also needs to improve his accuracy on deep passes.
Overall, Tyrod Taylor is a solid quarterback who can be a valuable asset to any team. He is a good passer and a dangerous runner. If he can improve his decision-making and accuracy, he has the potential to be a top-tier quarterback in the NFL.
Strengths
- Mobility
- Passing ability
- Leadership
Areas for Improvement
- Decision-making
- Accuracy on deep passes
Future Prospects and Outlook
Tyrod Taylor’s future in the NFL remains uncertain. With his contract expiring at the end of the 2023 season, he faces a crossroads in his career. Speculation abounds regarding potential contract extensions, team changes, or even retirement.
Taylor’s performance in 2023 will play a significant role in determining his future prospects. If he can continue to perform at a high level and lead the Giants to success, he may earn a contract extension. However, if he struggles or the Giants underperform, he could become a free agent and explore other options.
Potential Contract Extensions
- If Taylor continues to play well and the Giants make a deep playoff run, he could earn a contract extension worth around $10-12 million per year.
- However, if the Giants struggle and Taylor’s performance declines, he may have to settle for a shorter-term deal or a pay cut.
Potential Team Changes, Why is tyrod taylor playing
- If Taylor becomes a free agent, he could attract interest from several teams in need of a veteran quarterback.
- Some potential landing spots include the Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints.
Retirement Plans
At 33 years old, Taylor is nearing the end of his NFL career. If he is unable to secure a starting role or a lucrative contract extension, he may consider retirement.
Taylor has expressed a desire to continue playing for several more years, but he also understands that the NFL is a business and that his future is ultimately out of his control.
Concluding Remarks
Tyrod Taylor is a solid backup quarterback who can step in and start if needed. He is a good leader and a good teammate, and he is respected by his coaches and teammates. Taylor is not a long-term solution at quarterback for the Giants, but he can help the team win games in the short term.
