 In 1989 , Taylor recorded 15 sacks . He was forced to play the latter portion of the season with a fractured tibia , suffered in a 34 – 24 loss to the 49ers in week 12 , which caused him to sit out the second half of several games . Despite his off @-@ the @-@ field problems , Taylor remained popular among his teammates and was voted defensive co @-@ captain along with Carl Banks . The two filled the defensive captain 's spot vacated by the retired Harry Carson . The retirement of the nine @-@ time Pro Bowler Carson , broke up the Giants linebacker corps of Carson , Reasons , Banks , and Taylor , which spearheaded the team 's defense nicknamed the " Big Blue Wrecking Crew " in the 1980s . The Giants went 12 – 4 , and advanced to the playoffs . In an exciting , down @-@ to @-@ the @-@ wire game , the Rams eliminated the Giants 19 – 13 in the first round , despite Taylor 's two sacks and one forced fumble . 
