Tag: Lawrence Taylor

1986 Giants named the organization’s most dominant team since 1970

The 1986 New York Giants have been named the organization’s most dominant single-season team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.

Late last month, The Athletic listed the 1986 New York Giants as one of the NFL’s most dominant teams of the last 50 years. For that reason, it should come as little surprise that same team has now been named the organization’s most dominant team since the AFL-NFL merger of 1970.

The Athletic recently broke down the most dominant single-season teams for each of the NFL’s 32 franchises, and the 1986 Giants got the nod and ranked No. 12 overall.

Criteria Credentials
W-L 14-2
PPG Ratio 1.6:1
Playoffs W-L 3-9
Playoffs PPG Ratio 4.6:1
Point Diff. vs. Winning Teams 103
Power Ranking 90.4

This team and the 1990 version (34th overall) were the only Giants teams since 1970 that contended seriously for spots in the overall top 25. The 1986 Giants far outpaced the others since 1970 in postseason PPG ratio and point differential against winning teams. This team outscored its three playoff opponents by 35-8 on average, producing the third-highest postseason PPG ratio for any team since 1970, behind the Bears (9.1) and 1989 49ers (4.8).

Led by Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor and legendary head coach Bill Parcells, the 1986 Giants restored order in the world of football and returned the Lombardi Trophy to East Rutherford. It was their first Super Bowl title and their first NFL Championship since the 1956 season.

Unsurprisingly, the 1985 Chicago Bears topped the list as the most dominant single-season team not only in their history, but NFL history.

Meanwhile, the 2007 New England Patriots got the nod as their organization’s best single-season team, checking in at No. 5 overall. Of course, we all know how that ended in Super Bowl XLII.

The Patriots placed three teams in the overall top 25, with this historic 2007 version edging out the teams from 2016 (10th) and 2004 (12). Those three teams went a combined 27-3 against opponents that finished with winning records. That included 9-1 by the 2007 team, which produced a franchise-best point differential against winning teams, outscoring them by 15.2 points per game. That one loss, of course, came in the Super Bowl to the Giants.

As dominant as the 1986 team was, what the 2007 Giants will live in infamy.

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Lawrence Taylor reflects on ‘big money’ golf battles with Michael Jordan

New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor looks back on some “big money” golf battles with NBA great Michael Jordan.

If the remarkably popular “The Last Dance” documentary on the dynasty Chicago Bulls has taught anyone anything, it’s that Michael Jordan is one of the most competitive people on the planet.

Don’t believe that? Just ask New York Giants legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Lawrence Taylor.

“Of all the people I know, he’s probably the most competitive person I know,” Taylor told the New York Post. “He’ll bet on a daggone 50-foot putt and goddammit, if he bets on it, nine times out of 10 he’s gonna make it.

“Don’t get it confused. He is trying to win every bet. He might not care, but he is trying to win every bet. Everything that is out there. He’s trying to win at all times. And there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Taylor and Jordan met at their alma mater, North Carolina, where the two bonded over basketball. Little did the pair know at the time that they would go on to become the greatest players in their respective sports.

“My senior year when I went to the Giants, I came back to school to finish up that summer,” Taylor said. “And he was there at Carolina getting ready for the season, but we played a lot of basketball, we hung out a lot. I consider him a good friend.

“I am not a critiquer of basketball. I played football. The guy was phenomenal. And sometimes you think he’s from another planet. The things he can do you don’t see every day. Every hundred million people that are born, there may be one like him, OK?”

But which of the two is a better golfer? Taylor was reluctant to say because their pair haven’t played in a while. However, if you were to tally the big-money bets…

“When it comes to the big money, I may have won more of the big money than he has,” Taylor said. “I wish I had a tally but we don’t have a tally. It’s not all about money. It’s all about my drive and his drive. I think as far as that goes, we’re pretty even there.

“We have a good relationship, and if I come to a golf course he wants me in his group. And it’s hard to get into Michael Jordan’s group.”

Imagine the intensity when L.T. and Jordan were competing against each other…

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Giants legend Lawrence Taylor joins the ‘All In Challenge’

New York Giants legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Lawrence Taylor, has joined the “All In Challenge” and his package can not be beat.

In mid-April, Fanatics founder Michael Rubin announced the “All In Challenge” — a virtual fundraising effort designed to raise millions of dollars to provide food for children, the elderly and frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Immediately after launching the benefit program, several current and former members of the New York Giants joined the challenge, including quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Saquon Barkley, retired quarterback Eli Manning, retired defensive end Justin Tuck, retired running back Tiki Barber and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Michael Strahan.

Now, the greatest legend of them all, Lawrence Taylor, has entered the fray.

“I am all in!” Taylor declared proudly in his announcement video.

Taylor, like the other Giants, came up with a remarkable package that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Lawrence Taylor is known for his incredible career with the New York Giants, but you may not know that he loves golf so much that he was once late to a game thanks to a slow-playing foursome. LT even credits golf with helping him live a healthier lifestyle. This is your chance to enjoy your two favorite things—golf and NFL football—at once. The winner will receive a two-night stay in a cottage at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and you, your guest and LT will enjoy the beautiful course for a full round of golf. You’ll then join Taylor for a tasty dinner where you can listen to some great stories from his days in the NFL. On top of this great sports experience, LT is giving you $500 to spend at the Pro Shop before you head home. This is an unforgettable chance to get out on the links with an NFL MVP, so go ALL IN and don’t pass up the opportunity!

Private dinner with the greatest of all time? Golf at the amazing Trump National Golf Club? And $500 to spend at the Pro Shop? How can you go wrong?

If you’d like to donate, bid or enter for a chance to win some of these amazing prizes and more, check out the All In Challenge website.

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The No. 2 overall pick every year since 1960

The No. 2 overall pick every year since 1960

 

NFL Draft: The No. 2 overall pick every year since 1960

A look at players who were chosen immediately following the NFL Draft’s first pick.

Everyone remembers who went first in the NFL Draft. However, who were the players taken in the second slot over the last 60 years?

1960: George Izo

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

George Izo played quarterback at Notre Dame and was the second overall pick by the Chicago Cardinals as well as being a territorial selection of the New York Titans in the new AFL. He played for four teams in an NFL career that ended in the 1966 season.

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3 Giants make The Athletic’s New York Sports Hall of Fame

Three members of the New York Giants were named to The Athletic’s inaugural New York Hall of Fame, which consisted of 25 all-time greats.

The coronavirus has completely shut down the planet and the sports world has not been immune. Recognizing that, The Athletic decided to put together their first-ever New York Sports Hall of Fame to help break the monotony.

25 icons from The Big Apple made the list, including three members of the New York Giants.

Here’s a quick look at each in reverse order:

24. Michael Strahan (22.5 points)

Hard as it may be to believe now, Strahan was actually a better football player than television personality. The ubiquitous TV host set an NFL single-season record with 22.5 sacks in 2001 and ranks seventh all-time with 141.5 career sacks. Strahan won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2001, earned seven Pro Bowl selections and was a four-time first-team All-Pro. The 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee spent his entire 15-season career with the Giants, riding into the sunset with a win in Super Bowl XLII in his final game.

Strahan was one of those rare modern athletes who spent his entire career with one team and, as The Athletic notes, won a Super Bowl title — his only title — in his final game. What a way to go out.

20. Eli Manning (33 points)

Manning is a polarizing candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame after a rollercoaster 16-year career, but his triumphs cemented his status among New York’s all-time greats. Manning led the Giants to two improbable Super Bowl victories, earning MVP honors in each championship game. His “Helmet Catch” connection with David Tyree in Super Bowl XLII and the perfect dime to Mario Manningham in Super Bowl XLVI are the enduring memories for a quarterback who raised his play on the game’s biggest stage.

In addition to his Super Bowl heroics, Manning’s performances in the preceding conference championship games were even more legendary. Manning ranked seventh all-time in passing touchdowns, passing yards and completions when he retired in January. Ranking 20th on this list bodes well for the more significant Hall of Fame debate in Manning’s future.

Honestly, we’re surprised to see Manning make this list — not because he’s undeserving, but because it’s Eli Manning and he rarely received any credit whatsoever.

Next stop: Canton?

4. Lawrence Taylor (147.5 points)

Bill Belichick considers Taylor the greatest defensive player in the history of football. Not much more needs to be said, but here goes: Taylor’s pass-rushing ability completely revolutionized the way the game was played. Offenses had to change the way they blocked outside linebackers, and Taylor’s combination of speed and power caused other teams to try to find similar players to terrorize quarterbacks.

Taylor was named the NFL’s MVP in 1986, becoming the first defensive player to win the award in 15 years after a league-high 20.5 sack season. Taylor won three defensive player of the year awards (tied for most all-time), was selected to 10 Pro Bowls and was an eight-time first-team All-Pro in a 13-year career spent exclusively with the Giants. His 132.5 career sacks ranked second all-time when he retired. Taylor led the Giants to the franchise’s first two Super Bowl wins in 1986 and 1990.

Surprise! Bet you didn’t see this one coming.

Okay… you probably did, but who cares? Any chance we get to re-live the greatness that was L.T. is welcomed. But No. 4? Some may believe he deserves to be higher on the list, but it’s hard to compete with Mickey Mantle, Jackie Robinson and Babe Ruth.

For specific details on the criteria for this Hall of Fame, be sure to check out their explanation over at The Athletic.

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Michael Strahan’s clothing line provided the NFL 100 attire

Retired New York Giants legend Michael Strahan provide attire for the amazing NFL 100 commercial that aired during Super Bowl LIV.

One of the best commercials during Super Bowl Sunday came courtesy of the NFL themselves. They opened the show with a remarkable NFL 100 spot featuring several current and former league legends, All-Pros, Super Bowl champions and Hall of Famers.

In fact, the commercial also featured New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley and retired defensive end Justin Tuck.

At the very end of the ad, several Pro Football Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers are seen wearing black and red suits — all of which look very snazzy (yes, snazzy).

So, why is that significant to you as Giants fans? Well, it’s because the suits all came courtesy of retired Giants legend Michael Strahan and his clothing line. More specifically, this line, “MSX by Michael Strahan for NFL.”

“I’m thrilled to partner with the NFL on this special collection,” said Strahan, via Giants.com. “Fans from across the world can share their football spirit in style while celebrating the year’s biggest game.”

Strahan’s line even drew a shout from the GOAT himself. No, not Tom Brady. Lawrence Taylor.

Visit Shop.MichaelStrahan.com for more details on MSX by Michael Strahan for NFL or to do a little shopping for yourself.

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Lawrence Taylor has no doubt Eli Manning belongs in Hall of Fame

New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor says he has no doubt that Eli Manning will end up in the Hall of Fame.

Don’t tell retired New York Giants legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor that Eli Manning doesn’t deserve a place in Canton alongside of him because he’s not hearing it.

While Taylor admits that Manning may not be a first ballot Hall of Famer, he has little doubt the two-time Super Bowl MVP will eventually get himself a bust.

“He’s won two Super Bowls,” Taylor said, via the New York Post. “He may not be a first-ballot. But is he a Hall of Famer? Of course. Played too many games.

“He’s done too many good things. He’s been the best of the Giants for too many years. He will get into the Hall of Fame. And if he goes in the first ballot? I’d be surprised, but he will get there if he doesn’t go in the first [time].”

Taylor is another in a long, long line of current or former players to go to bat for Manning, battling against the outside skeptics who don’t believe he deserves enshrinement.

Will all this public support be enough to push Hall of Fame voters over the edge in five years? Time will tell, but it certainly can’t hurt — especially when the greatest defensive player in NFL history give Easy E the thumbs up.

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Ronnie Lott reflects on classic matchups with Giants, dust-up with Phil Simms

San Francisco 49ers legend Ronnie Lott recently reflected on his matchups with the New York Giants and his dust-up with QB Phil Simms.

Ronnie Lott is a Pro Football and College Hall of Fame defensive back whose career was so legendary it’s difficult to begin listing his accomplishments.

Lott is four-time Super Bowl champion (all with the San Francisco 49ers) and 10-time Pro Bowler. His mark on the game of football is indelible to the point where he has a trophy named after him.

The Lott IMPACT Award is handed out annually to the college football defensive IMPACT player of the year. IMPACT stands for many of the traits Lott brought to the game: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity.

With the 49ers back in the Super Bowl, Lott sat down with Steve Serby of the New York Post this week and divulged some stories about his classic battles with the New York Giants.

Lott had a famous 1990 confrontation with Giants’ quarterback Phil Simms after the Niners aced out the Giants, 7-3, on Monday Night Football. A misconception about Simms’ opinion of him falsely conveyed by ex-Giant Jim Burt started it all.

“He didn’t understand why I decided to get so ballistic,” Lott said of the postgame face-to-face confrontation with Simms. “I threw a tantrum towards him. I didn’t know that Phil felt that way about me, but as we all learned in life, Phil didn’t say that, it was Jim Burt being Jim Burt getting me fired up.”

“He (Simms) looked at me, ‘What the heck are you doing (laugh)? Why are you acting like this?’ But the great thing that I love is that after the whole incident, he comes into the locker room and said to me, ‘I never would have said anything.’ For him to walk in our locker room, after that game, and then say what he said, showed me how great a human being he is.”

Later that season, the Giants would beat the 49ers, 15-13, in the NFC Championship Game. Simms did not play in that game as he was sidelined by a broken bone in his foot.

Serby also asked Lott about the famous 1986 play in which Giants tight end Mark Bavaro took him and several of his teammates for a ride at Candlestick Park.

“I think of being pulled on a slip and slide,” Lott said of what is was like to try to tackle Bavaro. “I had to redeem myself and had to hit him like George Foreman.”

Lott also spoke about Lawrence Taylor, who he said makes him feel 22 every time they meet. He also described what is was like to prepare for those tough Giants teams of the 1980s.

“The game was gonna be a fourth-quarter game. You want to try to beat ’em before you got into the fourth quarter. Coach [Bill] Parcells and his staff were really good at managing time in the fourth quarter. They were very disciplined about how to win games in the fourth quarter,” he said.

Lott is right. The Giants played the 49ers in the postseason five times during Lott’s tenure in San Fran with the Giants winning three. So much for the ‘Team of the 80s.”

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Giants legend Lawrence Taylor picking Chiefs to win Super Bowl

New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor believes the Kansas City Chiefs will defeat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.

New York Giants great Lawrence Taylor is picking the Kansas City Chiefs to defeat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV in Miami next Sunday.

“I’ve always been a man who says championships are won by defense — unless you keep scoring every 30 seconds, you know?” Taylor joked with FOX Business host Charles Payne.

Taylor has a reason for that thought, too. Come-from-behind wins are what the Chiefs have excelled in this season. Most recently, in the AFC championship playoff game that solidified their trip to the Super Bowl, the Chiefs were down 17-7 in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans. But then, Kansas City scored four straight touchdowns, sealing their path to the NFL championship.

“LT” knows something about winning championships. During his 12-year-long NFL career, he won two Super Bowls — XXI and XXV — and he was selected for the Pro Bowl 10 times. He was named MVP in 1986, the same year he led the league in sacks.

L.T. is also no fan of the San Francisco 49ers, who he faced six times in the NFC Playoffs during his tenure, splitting the contests.

The final meeting was a 44-3 drubbing by San Fran which also turned out to be Taylor and quarterback Phil Simms’ final NFL games. Don’t think he doesn’t remember that.

The Niners clearly have the better defense, which should have tilted the scales for him, but his disdain for them is likely just too great for him to come out and back them publicly.

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