Did Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll Open the Door for a QB Controversy?

You be the judge based on his response to a question put to him about the position.

Author:
Michael Lee
Publish date:
Oct 22, 2023 9:02 PM EDT

In this story:

You knew the question was going to be asked of head coach Brian Daboll after the New York Giants defeated the Washington Commanders 14-7 at home Sunday afternoon.

What you didn't know was that Daboll, through his answer, cracked the door open if just a bit for a quarterback controversy after Tyrod Taylor led the Giants to a season-high 356 yards Sunday as part of the victory.

Daboll, predictably, was asked by a reporter after the game if Taylor, who has now filled in twice for injured starter Daniel Jones (neck), had made any argument for being the quarterback when Jones returns.

Instead of outwardly declaring Jones as the starter, as he did last week when asked if there was any chance of Taylor taking over the role regardless of Jones's health status, Daboll said, "I would just say Tyrod had a good game this game and he's a true pro and I'm glad we’ve got him."

East Rutherford, NJ October 22, 2023 -- The Giants sideline after a stop on a fourth down play that sealed the game for the Giants. The NY Giants host the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on October 22, 2023.

There's no question that the Giants offense has looked better with Taylor under center than Jones, going back to last week against Buffalo when New York put up 268 yards on offense, their third-highest total behind the 356 a Taylor-led offense generated, and the 439 Jones generated in a Week 2 win over Arizona.

Taylor, for his part, has not only kept a sense of calmness when under duress but he's also managed to generate some big pass plays, which the Giants weren't able to create much of last year.

"He’s taking his drop, drop back, and see one-on-one coverage and let it go, and the receivers have made good plays, so it's all tied together," Daboll said.

"It's not just one person or one position. It never is on offense. It takes all 11. You can't have one guy or two guys on offense. When you usually have a guy mess up, it's usually not very good for the offense. You can't make it up. It's just all assignment football, and he's done a good job with it."

In his two starts, Taylor has gotten the ball out of his hand quickly and not be hesitant to push the ball downfield. Taylor also has shown an ability to make quick and smart decisions with little to no hesitation in his game.

Add to that Taylor's playing turnover-free football for two weeks straight and having Saquon Barkley in the lineup again, and you had a perfectly calm and functional offense.

“I think he did fantastic. He did amazing,” Barkley said. “He deserves this moment. I’m happy for him. He does it right and comes to work every day with the right mindset. Unbelievable work ethic."

Taylor said he wasn't concerned about the starting job and would simply play whatever role was asked of him.

“Obviously, if DJ (quarterback Daniel Jones) is healthy, he’s a captain on our team, captain of our team, a leader on the offense, and I am here to support in any way that I can,” he said.