The New York Giants will look to close out the calendar year with a victory at home against the Los Angeles Rams on New Year's Eve.
The Giants took the Eagles down to the final play on Christmas Day but wound up falling just short to their division rival, losing 33-25. It was the second consecutive loss for the Giants, which brought their record to 5-10 on the season.
On the other sideline, the Rams enter this matchup having won two consecutive games and five of their past six. Los Angeles had an extended break leading up to this game, as they last played against the Saints on Thursday Night Football, a game that ended as a 30-22 win for the Rams. The victory improved their record to 8-7 as they currently hold the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture.
Here are five storylines to follow in the New Year's Eve matchup.
1. Taylor to start at QB
After starting his sixth consecutive game under center, quarterback Tommy DeVito was replaced at halftime of Monday's loss against the Eagles. DeVito completed nine of 16 pass attempts for 55 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions for a passer rating of 63.3 in his two quarters of action while adding a five-yard run. The offense totaled just 100 net yards and three points in the first half.
Tyrod Taylor went into the game in relief of the rookie quarterback, and completed seven of 16 passes for 133 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown to touchdown to Darius Slayton in the fourth quarter.
Daboll announced Wednesday morning that Taylor will start in Week 17 against the Rams.
"I thought Ty did some good things in the second half of Philly so he earned the right to start this game," Daboll said. "Let's get ready for the Rams, really have nothing else to add on it. That's where we're at."
"It means everything to me," Taylor added about being named the starter. "I mean, obviously the work that you put in week in and week out. I've been playing this game for a long time and anytime I get a chance to lace up the cleats and go out and compete means the world to me. That's where I'm the happiest, and it's what I love to do, to be able to go out and not only show your peers but prove to yourself what you could do.
"It's not a me thing. It's a team sport, and I'm excited for our guys to go out for these last two weeks to put our best foot forward and to compete at a high level. Regardless of playoffs or not, there's always something to play for and that's the mindset that we've got to have."
2. Another tough test
The Giants' defense struggled to contain the Eagles' potent offense on Christmas Day. Philadelphia had success both through the air and on the ground, as quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for over 300 yards and a touchdown, and added another score with his legs. The Eagles finished the game with 465 total yards of offense, the third-highest yardage total the Giants have surrendered on the season.
The area that hurt the defense the most was the run game, as the Eagles' 170 rushing yards were the third-most the Giants have allowed this year. The run defense was the Achilles heel of the unit last season, and the defense is struggling in that area again this year. The Giants rank 29th in rushing yards, 30th in rushing touchdowns and 31st in rushing yards per attempt allowed.
After a hot-and-cold start to the season, the Rams' offense has been on a roll in recent weeks. Over their last five games, the Rams have scored at least 28 points in every outing while totaling no less than 399 yards of offense. This recent offensive surge coincides with the return of running back Kyren Williams from injured reserve, but more on that later. Heading into Week 17, the Rams rank eight in points and seventh in yards.
3. Saquon reaches milestone
The sixth-year running back reached an impressive milestone in Philadelphia. Barkley's 80 yards on the ground saw him move into fourth place on the Giants' all-time rushing list with 5,126 yards, jumping ahead of Brandon Jacobs (5,087). The 26-year-old back needs 171 rushing yards over the last two games to move into third place on the list; Joe Morris currently sits there with 5,296 rushing yards. Barkley's current mark of 71.2 rushing yards per game is the most in franchise history.
The Los Angeles defense is coming off its best performance against the run all season. In last week's victory over the Saints, the Rams surrendered a mere 35 total rushing yards. Alvin Kamara gained only 19 yards on nine carries, while Taysom Hill was limited to two yards on two carries. It marked the fifth time in their last six games that the Rams defense held their opponent to less than 90 rushing yards. The unit ranks 13th in rushing yards, 14th in yards per attempt and 10th in rushing touchdowns allowed on the year.
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
4. Special teams update
Due to injuries at the position, the Giants have had a bit of a revolving door at kicker this season. Graham Gano played nine games before landing on injured reserve, while Randy Bullock played in six games before finding a similar fate. Cade York was then scheduled to take over as the kicker for the Giants last week, but an injury suffered during practice led to him joining Gano and Bullock on injured reserve. This opened the door for Mason Crosby to kick for the Giants on Christmas.
The 39-year-old veteran spent 16 seasons kicking for the Green Bay Packers prior to this year. He was signed to the practice squad on Friday after York landed on IR, and was then elevated to the active roster on Sunday for the Week 16 matchup. In his first NFL attempt as a member of a team other than the Packers, Crosby drilled a 52-yard field goal in the first quarter to put the Giants on the board. He also made both of his extra point attempts.
When Bullock went down in Week 15, punter Jamie Gillan took over as the team's emergency kicker. Gillan was successful on his only field goal attempt from 40 yards out, but the extra duties led to the punter being limited in practice last week with a groin injury. In his first action following the injury, Gillan averaged 39.5 yards per punt, his lowest average punt since Week 2. Daboll told reporters Tuesday that the punter landed on his knee on the Eagles' first punt return, which bothered him for the rest of the game. Gillan participated in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, and Daboll told the media that the punter is "trending in the right direction" for Sunday's game against the Rams.
5. Scouting the Rams
After struggling in 2022, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has put together a strong 2023 campaign. The veteran quarterback has thrown for 3,648 yards, 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 14 starts this season, but has really stepped up his game in recent weeks. Stafford has multiple touchdowns in five consecutive games with a 14-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio during that span. He's earned a 100+ passer rating in each of those five starts.
"He's one of the top quarterbacks in the league, been that way for a long time," Daboll said about Stafford. "Playing good team football, don't have a lot of negative runs, five-plus runs are tops in the league, explosive pass plays. They're playing good football and he's – competed against him, watched him from afar, remember him coming out of Georgia. Great dude, he's one of the top quarterbacks in the league."
As briefly mentioned earlier, the Rams' recent offensive success matches up perfectly with the return of running back Kyren Williams. The second-year back was placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury suffered in Week 6. He returned in Week 12, and in the five games since coming back, Williams has averaged 120.2 rushing yards per game. Williams is averaging 5.1 yards per attempt on the season and has totaled 1,057 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground in just 11 games. His 96.1 rushing yards per game currently leads the NFL.
Williams' return helped open things up for the entire offense, evidenced by Stafford's recent success. The biggest beneficiary of that has been rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is coming off the best game of his young NFL career. Nacua caught nine passes for a season-high 164 yards in last week's win over the Saints while finding the end zone for the fifth time this year. His 96 receptions this season are tied for the eighth-most in the league, while his 1,327 receiving yards rank fourth.
Of course, you cannot talk about the Rams offense without mention Nacua's fellow wideout, veteran Cooper Kupp. The 2021 Offensive Player of the Year missed the first four games due to a hamstring injury, but has still managed to total 710 receiving yards in 11 games. Kupp has finished with over 110 receiving yards in two of the last three games and has scored a touchdown in three of the last four.
"They're two really good players, tremendous run after catch," Daboll said about the two Rams receivers. "Strong, physical, I mean, they do stuff that tight ends do in the run game, both of them."
Moving to the other side of the ball, the Los Angeles defense begins with one of the greatest defensive lineman of all-time, Aaron Donald. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time First-Team All-Pro selection is enjoying yet another dominant season. Donald has six sacks on the year, just 0.5 behind Kobie Turner for the team-lead, while his 14 tackles for loss and 21 quarterback hits both pace the Rams defense.
"One of the best to ever do it," Daboll said about Donald. "He's always a problem when you play him. As much as you try to gameplan for him, he always finds ways to make plays. He's one of the best defensive players, he's unbelievable."
Linebacker Ernest Jones is tied with the Giants' Bobby Okereke for the ninth-most total tackles in the NFL (132). Jones has had an impressive season, adding 4.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits and six passes defensed.
In the secondary, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon has put together a strong campaign. The veteran defensive back leads the team with three interceptions and 13 passes defensed. Safeties Jordan Fuller and John Johnson have picked up two interceptions apiece, while cornerback Derion Kendrick is second on the team with eight pass breakups.
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