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.* Anderson, Dave. SPORTS OF THE TIMES; Will L. T. Try to Play on a Broken Ankle?, "The New York Times", December 3, 1989, accessed March 23, 2008. *Litsky, Frank. Despite Fracture, Taylor Plays, "The New York Times", December 4, 1989, accessed March 23, 2008. *Anderson, Dave. Aggravating is kind word, "The New York Times", December 4, 1989, accessed November 2, 2010.</ref> 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.