EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Dabs' Digest, Giants.com's weekly conversation with head coach Brian Daboll:
Q: Would winning the final two games change your feelings about the season as a whole?
Daboll: "We're only focused on the Rams and trying to do everything we can do to get ready to play a good game."
Q: You decided to start Tyrod Taylor at quarterback. He seems to be more willing to throw the ball down the field than the other quarterbacks. Do you think that has something to do with experience? That guys who are in the league for a while get a mindset that they must take chances sometimes?
Daboll: "I just think for really every position, particularly the quarterback position, you read it out. If that's where the coverage is telling you to go with the ball, let it go. If it's not, do something else with it."
Q: Do you think it's worth it, even if it's 50-50, to take occasional shots down the field?
Daboll: "Yeah. I think you have to try to affect the entire field but make good decisions with the football at the quarterback position."
Q: Darius Slayton is seven catches shy of his career high. He leads the team again with 600-something yards. I don't know that he's ever been described as steady, but he seems to have the same production every year, he's very consistent. What do you think?
Daboll: "I think that's a good word. Consistent, comes in, prepares hard, practices hard and makes the most of his opportunities."
Q: Last year, we talked a lot about Sterling Shepard and how he helped the team when he was injured. This year, he's in uniform. He played one snap the other day. Have you seen that same team-first spirit in him this year?
Daboll: "Yeah. Shep's a good teammate and he has his role. If he's called upon, I know he would be ready to go."
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams.
The L.A. Rams and New York Giants raise dust during game action at Los Angeles, Aug. 23, 1957. Identifiable players are Rams' Don Burroughs (25) and Dick Daugherty (50). (Vic Stein via AP)
A night game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants at Los Angeles, Sept. 15, 1960. Identifiable players are: Rams Dick Bass (22), Charlie Bradshaw (79), and New York's Dick Nolan (25), Lindon Crow (41) and Jimmy Patton (20). Giants won, 20-6. (Vic Stein via AP)
Erich Barnes (49), New York Giants halfback, blocks field goal attempt by Los Angeles Rams' Danny Villanueva (11) in first period of NFL game in New York's Yankee Stadium, Oct. 22, 1961. Los Angeles quarterback Frank Ryan (15) held the ball for Villanueva. (AP Photo)
New York Giant end Del Shofner (85) has his eyes on the ball and his hands ready to catch a fourth quarter Charley Conerly pass, top left, as Los Angeles Ram Alvin Hall (46) appears to be outrun. All the giants passes weren't in vain. Conerly completed two for touchdowns in the fourth quarter to give giants a 24-14 win at Yankee stadium in New York on Oct. 22, 1961. It was giants first win at home this season. (AP Photo)
Les Josephson (34) of the Los Angeles Rams runs into a driving tackle by New York Giants Tom Longo (44) after a short gain in the first period of their game at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 20, 1970, New York. Giants Spider Lockhart (43) got a piece of the tackle. Coming up to help are Giants Scott Eaton (20) and Willie Williams (41). (AP Photo)
New York Giants tight end Bob Tucker on Dec. 20, 1970 at New York's Yankee Stadium. (AP Photo/ML)
Fran Tarkenton, the Giants quarterback, gets off a pass, incomplete, in the face of a furious charge by a trio of Los Angeles Rams defenders in the second period at Yankee Stadium, Dec. 20, 1970, New York. Closing in on Tarkenton are Jack Pardee (32), Coy Bacon (79) and Diron Talbert. (AP Photo)
Rams' running back John Cappelletti, the former Heisman winner, is dragged down by a shirt tackle as he tried to circle the New York Giants' left side in Los Angeles Sunday, Sept. 26, 1976. Giant linebacker Brad Van Pelt pulls him down. At right is New York's Dave Gallagher. (AP Photo/George Brich)
New York Giants linebacker Dan Lloyd (54) stops Los Angeles Rams running back Wendell Tyler (26) during an NFL game at the Los Angeles Coliseum on October 28, 1979. The Giants defeated the Rams 20-14. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants running back Doug Kotar (44) leaps as he runs upfield during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 26, 1976. The Rams defeated the Giants 24-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants Hall of Fame running back Larry Csonka (39) runs upfield after taking a handoff from quarterback Craig Morton (15) during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 26, 1976. The Rams defeated the Giants 24-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Craig Morton (15) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on September 26, 1976. The Rams defeated the Giants 24-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants Quarterback Scott Brunner (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Los Angeles Rams star running back Eric Dickerson (29) makes a short gain during early NFL action against the New York Giants in Anaheim Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 1, 1984, Anaheim, Calif. The Rams defeated the Giants 33-12. (AP Photo/Liu Heung Shing)
Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Irv Pankey (75) lead blocks for Los Angeles Rams running back Eric Dickerson (29) as New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) gives chase during the NFL football game against the New York Giants on Nov. 10, 1985 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 24-19. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson rushes for a third quarter touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC playoff game at Giants Stadium, Jan. 7, 1990 in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jim Everett (11) takes a hard hit from New York Giants defensive end Leonard Marshall (70) after throwing a pass during the Rams 19-13 overtime victory in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) scores on a 2-yard run during a 19 - 13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) moves in the pocket to avoid Rams linebacker Kevin Greene (91) during the Giants 19-13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) scores on a 2-yard touchdown run during a19 - 13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) rolls out during a 19 - 13 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 7, 1990 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) gains nine yards of his team-leading 60 yards during third quarter action against the Los Angeles Rams in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 12, 1990. On the same possession Anderson scored on a three-yard touchdown run. New York marched to a 31-7 win to remain unbeaten. (AP Photo/Craig Fuji)
With teammate Mark Bavaro (89) leading the way, New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson (24) gains nine yards of his team-leading 60 yards during third quarter action against the Los Angeles Rams in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 12, 1990. On the same possession Anderson scored on a three-yard touchdown run. New York marched to a 31-7 win to remain unbeaten. (AP Photo/Craig Fuji)
New York Giants cornerback Willie Beamon (21) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ed McCaffrey (81) runs a pass pattern during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 19, 1993. The Giants defeated the Rams 20-10. (AP Photo/NFL Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Rodney Hampton(27) in action during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California on October 16, 1994. The Rams beat the Giants 17-10. Rodney Hampton played for 8 years all with the Giants and was a 2-time Pro Bowler.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Corey Miller (57) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Corey Miller (57) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Keith Hamilton (75) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams Oct. 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner is flushed out of the pocket as teammate Marshall Faulk (28) holds off New York Giants' Michael Strahan in the third quarter Sunday, Dec. 19, 1999, at the Trans World Dome in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants Michael Strahan hits St. Louis Quarterback Kurt warner after he releases the ball in the third quarter Sunday, October 14, 2001 at the Dome at Americas Center in St. Louis.(AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk, right, has the ball knocked from his hands as he was hit by New York Giants' Will Allen, left, and Mike Barrow, top, during the first half Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001, in St. Louis, Mo. The Rams won 15-14.(AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber gains 11 yards during the fourth quarter as St. Louis Rams Grant Wistrom, bottom right, and Aeneas Williams attempt to tackle him Sunday, Sept.7, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber had 24 carries for 146 yards as the Giants beat the Rams, 23-13. Looking on is Rams Jerametrius Butler (23). (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) slips past the St. Louis Rams' Grant Wistrom (98) during the first quarter of their football game in St. Louis Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002. (AP Photo/James A. Finley)
New York Giants cornerback Curtis Deloatch (39) breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt, left, during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, center, is brought down by the New York Giants' Michael Strahan during the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005. Bulger attempted 62 passes, completing 40 as the Rams lost 44-24. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey, right, holds on to the ball as his facemask is pulled back by the St. Louis Rams' Michael Hawthorne, second from left, in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005. At left is the Rams' Pisa Tinoisamoa. Hawthorne received a penalty on the play. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants linebacker Reggie Torbor, left, intercepts a pass intended for St. Louis Rams wide receiver Shaun McDonald (84) during the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Torbor returned it 37 yards, as the Giants beat the Rams 44-24. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New York Giants' Plaxico Burress, center, pulls in an end-zone catch for his second touchdown of the day as the St. Louis Rams' DeJuan Groce, left, and Michael Hawthorne, right, defend in the second quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass as he is pressured by St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Tyoka Jackson (97) during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning completed 19 of 35 passes for 296 yards and four touchdwn passes as the Giants beat the Rams, 44-24. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) catches a pass for a 16-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Giants won 41-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burres, left, catches a touchdown as St. Louis Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) is pulled down by the St. Louis Rams defensive back Ron Bartell, left, as the Rams' Will Witherspoon, left, looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs with the ball as St. Louis Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon (51) defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon, right, catches a pass for a 32-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown, left, defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress catches a 33-yard touchdown pass as St. Louis Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, left, looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) catches a pass for an 18-yard gain before being pulled down by St. Louis Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) pushes his way past St. Louis defenders, from left, La'Roi Glover (97), Chris Long (72), Will Witherspoon (51) and James Hall (96) for a 7-yard gain during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger (10) completes a pass under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) as Rams' Richie Incognito (68) holds Tuck back during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Nick Leckey #60 of the St. Louis Rams looks over the defense prior to snapping the ball at the line of scrimmage against the New York Giants on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw slips past St. Louis Rams cornerback Tye Hill for a touchdown run during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Giants won 41-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants rushes in during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Plaxico Burris #17 of the New York Giants tries to break free after making a reception during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants calls signals as Shaun O'Hara prepares to snap the ball during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
The offense of the New York Giants prepares to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Amani Toomer #81 of the New York Giants catches a touchdown pass during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Domenik Hixon #87 of the New York Giants returns a punt during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Steve Smith #12 of the New York Giants runs with a reception during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Amani Toomer #81 of the New York Giants celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants scores a touchdown during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Kareem McKenzie #67 of the New York Giants looks to block during a 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams on September 14, 2008 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to throw a pass during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) runs with the ball during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls out a play during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass for a 32-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown, left, defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks for a receiver during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass for a 32-yard gain as St. Louis Rams cornerback Fakhir Brown, left, defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon catches a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. The Giants won 41-13. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger, left, is sacked for a seven-yard loss by New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Defending are Rams' Craig Dahl, right, and Quintin Mikell. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) points during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) covers St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brandon Gibson (11) on a pass play during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs the ball in traffic during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs the ball during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by St. Louis Rams' James Laurenaitis and Justin King, left, during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday September 19, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs the ball up the middle during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the St.Louis Rams in an NFL football game on Monday September 19, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) gets tackled after catching a pass by St. Louis Rams wide receiver Greg Salas (87) during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) catches a first quarter touchdown pass while covered by St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher (32) during the NFL week 2 football game against the St. Louis Rams on Monday, September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants' Eli Manning makes a pass during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Antrel Rolle (26) tackles St. Louis Rams' Mike Sims-Walker (10) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) throws the ball away from New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon is defended by St. Louis Rams' Craig Dahl during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. Hixon caught the pass for a touchdown. The Giants won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs runs for yardage against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL football game on September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks scores a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL football game on September 19, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher (32) walks away as New York Giants' Henry Hynoski (45) and Victor Cruz (80) celebrate a Brandon Jacobs touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs away from St. Louis Rams defensive back Justin King (21) for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 28-16. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by St. Louis Rams' James Hall (96), Bradley Fletcher (32) and another defender, bottom, during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs is tackled by St. Louis Rams linebacker Ben Leber during the second quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher (32) tackles New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks falls into the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown in front of St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by St. Louis Rams free safety Quintin Mikell during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the St. Louis Rams during a week 16 football game on December 21, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams, left, runs with the ball during the second half of NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn (72) intercepts the ball on a deflection against the St. Louis Rams during a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Giants won the game, 37-27. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) dives for a touchdown during a week 16 football game against the St. Louis Rams on December 21, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and St. Louis Rams quarterback Shaun Hill talk following an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. The Giants won 37-27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason, center, struggles for yardage as New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle, left, and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, right, defend during the second half of NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Shaun Hill, left, is sacked for a 4-yard loss by New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants free safety Stevie Brown, center, is pushed by St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Joe Barksdale, right, as Giants' defensive end Kerry Wynn, left, intercepts a pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass against the St. Louis Rams during a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Giants won the game, 37-27. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) makes a leaping catch during a week 16 football game against the St. Louis Rams on December 21, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, left, dives into the end zone past St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson after catching a 7-yard pass for a touchdown during the second half of NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The New York Giants offense gets set at the line of scrimmage against the St. Louis Rams defense during a NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in St. Louis. The Giants won the game, 37-27. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa, right, heads for the end zone past St. Louis Rams strong safety T.J. McDonald for a 12-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) runs for a 45-yard gain as St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) and T.J. McDonald give chase during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams middle linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) evades a tackle by Los Angeles Rams running back Benny Cunningham (23) during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during a week 7 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on October 23, 2016 in London, U.K. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game between New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across from the Los Angeles Rams defensive line during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across the Los Angeles Rams defensive line during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in London. New York won 17-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) runs a route during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball in the first quarter during an NFL football game at Twickenham stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs after the catch during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 in London. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs after the catch in front of Los Angeles Rams safety Blake Countess (24) during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares for the snap during a week 9 NFL football against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across the Los Angeles Rams defensive line during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Rams' Marqui Christian (41) closes in on New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Los Angeles Rams offensive line lines up across the New York Giants defensive line during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Los Angeles Rams' Nickell Robey-Coleman tackles New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Tavarres King (12) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Los Angeles Rams' John Johnson (43) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Los Angeles Rams' Nickell Robey-Coleman tackles New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches the ball during a week 9 NFL football against the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The Los Angeles Rams offensive line lines up across the New York Giants defensive line during a week 9 NFL football on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Daniel Jones (8)
The Los Angeles Rams offensive line lines up across the New York Giants defensive line during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. Rams won 17-9. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs past Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jachai Polite during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis )
Sterling Shepard (3)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29)
Darnay Holmes (30)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) sack Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a week 6 football game on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Q: Andrew Thomas has been back now for seven games, which is one more than the number of games that he missed. Is he back to where he was pre-injury in your estimation?
Daboll: "He does a good job for us, good leadership. He's a good player for us."
Q: I hate to measure a player by what happens when he's not in the game, but after Deonte Banks left the game the other day, A.J. Brown's production increased. Can you talk about how well Deonte has played?
Daboll: "Each week he gets better, has the right mindset for a player, particularly a rookie. He's done everything we've asked him to do. He's been progressing each week with his techniques and his fundamentals. Obviously, he matched with a really good football player. I think he embraces the opportunity for improvement and doing his job."
Q: At this time last week, we thought Cade York would be the kicker and then he was injured in practice. Do you feel fortunate you were able to get a guy with Mason Crosby's pedigree in here on short notice?
Daboll: "Yes. I mean, he made a 52-yarder right off the bat. It was good to bring in a guy like that. He's been doing it a long time."
Q: Last week, you played a team that had lost three games in a row. Now, you're facing a team (the L.A. Rams) that's won five of its last six since its bye. As a coach, do you look at that?
Daboll: "No. I would say it's just that week and it's a good football team. They're playing well. Philadelphia is a good football team. Each week you're playing good football teams in this league. You have to prepare as hard as you can to try to play as well as you can."
Q: The Rams have an interesting and impressive collection of young players, (Kyren) Williams, (Puca) Nacua, Kobie Turner, Byron Young. Do you think they have a good young nucleus there?
Daboll: "You look at the entirety of the team. They have two, I'd say, top-notch leaders and players on both sides of the ball in (quarterback Matthew) Stafford and (defensive tackle Aaron) Donald. I think both of those players really help everybody else be as good as they can be."
Q: Stafford has 14 touchdowns and one interception in the last five games. Do you think he's playing as well as he ever has?
Daboll: "He's been one of the best quarterbacks in the league for a long time. He's missed one game (this season), right? Green Bay. What was that? 20-3 (Rams loss). His entire career, it goes back to when he was a rookie (in 2009) that we played him when I was at Cleveland, ended up being 38-37 and it became a back-and-forth game that comes down to the last play. He throws a Hail Mary, and he gets crushed. They call a pass interference penalty on a Hail Mary, and he has to go out of the game for a play, ended up calling a time out. He runs back on the field. He can't even move his (non-throwing) arm and throws a touchdown pass. He's tough. He's got an unbelievably strong, accurate arm. He can put the ball in places not many can. Take a look at the one touchdown he throws to (Cooper) Kupp against the Ravens on the blitz zero look. He throws the ball three steps before Kupp's even out of his break. He's an elite quarterback in this league. He drives the ship."
Q: When you watch tape of a quarterback like that with a lot of experience, do they just see things faster and pick things up quicker than younger players?
Daboll: "He did when he was young, too. It makes sense as to why he was picked where he was picked (first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft) and the production he has in this league. Experience always helps, of course, but he's a unique talent at a premium position and it's why he's got all the passing yards and a Super Bowl (victory). He's a hell of a player."
Q: Williams has played only 11 games, but he's still second in the league in rushing (with 1,057 yards).
Daboll: "I remember talking with him during the draft process. This is a guy who loves football. He's a high, high character, quality person who just loves the game, and it shows when he plays. He gets what's there plus more. Tough, instinctive. He was a really good player at Notre Dame, but let's say some of his intangibles really accentuate his strengths."
Q: Nacua was a fifth-round draft pick, and he might set the rookie records for catches and yards.
Daboll: "He's playing well. He's strong with the ball in his hands. Stafford finds him. He's had an incredible season for a rookie receiver."
Q: Everyone now knows about Nacua and Kupp, but Demarcus Robinson has a touchdown catch in each of the last four games.
Daboll: "They're doing a great job all the way around offensively. Again, Stafford drives it."
Q: You spoke of Aaron Donald yesterday in almost reverential terms – he's a special guy.
Daboll: "I've been in this league a long time and not many defensive linemen that play that position play the way he plays. He's a really hard player to block. He's got tons of awards. He's powerful, quick, strong, creates a lot of problems for everybody that he plays for as long as he has played. He's really a remarkable, remarkable, fantastic player."
Q: John Michael (Schmitz) is going block him for the first time. What do you say to a young lineman about playing a future Hall of Famer?
Daboll: "Do your job. It's not gonna be easy. He makes it hard on everybody."
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