3 Takeaways from Giants' Week 17 Loss vs. Rams
The New York Giants certainly made it interesting in Week 17, but they couldn't do enough to fend off the surging Los Angeles Rams.
There were points where it felt like the Rams were poised to pull away, but the Giants kept finding ways to answer. Late in the fourth quarter, a stunning 94-yard punt return by Gunner Olszewski gave New York an opportunity to draw even. However, the Giants went for a two-point instead, which was unsuccessful, and Mason Crosby later missed a potential go-ahead field goal from 54 yards out.
The Giants ultimately fell 26-25, but they made it clear that they're not ready to just quit on the 2023 season. Here's what else we learned during New York's Week 17 loss to the Rams.
Tyrod Taylor Deserves to Stick Around
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The Giants are going to have an extremely difficult decision to make at quarterback in the offseason. Daniel Jones is under contract for another three years, but he played extremely poorly this season before being lost to a torn Achilles.
Jones' 2022 rise now feels like a mirage, and his lucrative offseason extension feels like a mistake. Because of this, New York may look to be aggressive over draft weekend in pursuit of a new franchise quarterback.
Regardless of what else the Giants do at quarterback, they should give strong consideration to retaining backup Tyrod Taylor. The 34-year-old made his fourth start of the season against L.A., and he went throw-for-throw with Rams QB Matthew Stafford.
Taylor's 80-yard touchdown strike to Darius Slayton was a majestic thing to behold.
While he didn't do quite enough to get the win, Taylor gave the Giants a chance. He's looked like a better quarterback than Jones this season, and he's certainly worth keeping around as a veteran bridge or insurance policy.
Of course, Taylor has played well enough when given the opportunity this year that he may get a chance to start somewhere else in 2024.
Wan' Dale Robinson Shows Up Again
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Whoever the Giants have under center next season needs to see a better supporting cast. New York's lack of reliable receiver depth has been an issue dating back to last season, and aside from perhaps Slayton, there isn't a proven go-to option on the roster.
On a positive note, though, second-year pass-catcher Wan'Dale Robinson has been showing a lot of promise as of late.
Robinson, who is explosive with the ball in his hands, racked up 115 scrimmage yards in the Week 14 win over the Green Bay Packers. He wasn't quite as productive against the Rams, but he certainly made his presence felt.
The 22-year-old caught six passes for 55 yards, and he scored on a 24-yard end-around during which he knifed through the L.A. defense.
It would still behoove the Giants to go out and find a true top-caliber receiver in free agency or the draft. However, Robinson does give the Giants an intriguing rushing-receiving option, and he'll be a fun player to track heading into 2024.
Brian Daboll Still Has His Team Fighting
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Brian Daboll was named the 2022 NFL Coach of the Year after leading the Giants on a surprise playoff run. Given Jones' 2023 struggles and the inconsistent play we've seen from New York, though, it was fair to wonder if Daboll might enter 2024 on the hot seat.
Blowout losses to teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders made it easy to believe that the Giants were prepared to quit midway through the season.
Sunday's game, though, is the latest example of why Daboll's job should be safe for the time being.
New York hasn't quit. It has won three of its last six, it gave the Philadelphia Eagles everything it could handle last Monday, and it early knocked off a Rams team that has gone 6-1 since its bye week.
The Giants might not end the 2023 season on a winning streak. However, they're finishing with enough drive and momentum to suggest that Daboll can turn things around quickly in 2024—if general manager Joe Schoen can provide him with an improved roster.
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