 The Giants looked to rebound to their championship ways in 1988 but the start of the season was marred by controversy surrounding Taylor . He tested positive for cocaine and was suspended by the league for thirty days , as it was his second violation of the NFL 's substance abuse policy . The first result in 1987 had been kept private and was not known to the public at the time . He was kept away from the press during this period and checked himself into rehab in early September . Taylor 's over @-@ the @-@ edge lifestyle was becoming an increasing concern for fans and team officials . This was especially true given the eventual career paths of talented players like Hollywood Henderson and others whose drug problems derailed their careers . The Giants went 2 – 2 in the games Taylor missed . When Taylor returned he was his usual dominant self as he led the team in sacks again , with 15 @.@ 5 in 12 games played . The season also contained some of the more memorable moments of Taylor 's career . In a crucial late @-@ season game with playoff implications against the New Orleans Saints , Taylor played through a torn pectoral muscle to record seven tackles , three sacks , and two forced fumbles . Taylor 's presence in the lineup was important as the Giants ' offense was having trouble mounting drives , and was dominated in time of possession . Television cameras repeatedly cut to the sidelines to show him in extreme physical pain as he was being attended to by the Giants staff . Taylor had already developed a reputation for playing through pain ; in a 1983 game against the Eagles the team 's training staff had to hide his helmet to prevent the injured Taylor from returning to the field . Taylor 's shoulder was so injured that he had to wear a harness to keep it in its place . The Giants held on for a 13 – 12 win , and Parcells later called Taylor 's performance " [ t ] he greatest game I ever saw . " However , the Giants narrowly missed the playoffs in 1988 at 10 – 6 by losing tie @-@ breakers with the Eagles in their division and the Rams for the Wild card . 
