Tyrod Taylor Reveals Mindset if He Has to Start Sunday

It's business as usual for the veteran backup, who could be making his first start as a member of the Giants this Sunday.

New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been around for a long time now to know the drill, regardless of what his playing time might look like for the next game.

"My mindset every day is to come in and challenge myself to be better, lead, and when my opportunity is presented in front of me, to go out and make the best of it," Taylor said.

With starting quarterback Daniel Jones (neck) seemingly a longshot to play Sunday night when the Giants visit the Buffalo Bills, you won't find a change in the normally stoic Taylor's demeanor just because he's potentially looking at his first starting assignment for the team since signing as an unrestricted free agent last year.

You also won't find him reflecting nostalgically on the upcoming opponent, with whom he last played in 2017, leading that team to a playoff berth.

No, it's business as usual for the 34-year-old Taylor.

"As a competitor, any time you get a chance to go out and play, you always look forward to it. It just so happens to be Buffalo this week. I love to compete, so wherever that is, if it’s this week or another time, I look forward to those opportunities."

A Look at Giants' Options if Daniel Jones Can't Play

It won't be easy for Taylor if he has to go under center. The Giants' offensive line is a major mess thanks to injuries and performance, and the unit is yet again looking at another starting combination this weekend depending on how the current week's injury report shakes out and depending on how ready practice squad guys like Justin Pugh and Yodney Cajuste might be to step in to play.

Despite the uncertainty about the offensive line, Taylor isn't about to change how he plays just to avoid potential injury behind a unit that has allowed a league-high 96 pressures through five games.

" I don't think you’ve got to go into a game with that mindset. I think you play free," Taylor said. "Obviously, it’s a contact sport that we play and a collision sport that we play. Playing scared is never a good thing.

"As a quarterback, you want to limit the hits you take on your body, but at the same time, you’ve got to do what's best for the team in certain situations as far as fighting for extra yardage or making plays. Never playing timid, going out there and competing at a high level and dealing with what comes with that."

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