06 December 2023 , 19:00
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The New York Giants have announced rookie Tommy DeVito will be the team’s starting quarterback for the clash with the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football at MetLife Stadium.
The Giants had a decision to make with veteran Tyrod Taylor set to return from a rib injury, but head coach Brian Daboll admitted DeVito has earned his opportunity. DeVito has won two of his past three starts with the Giants defeating the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots after losing to the Dallas Cowboys.
DeVito is something of a local legend after winning a state championship at Don Bocsco Prep High School having been born and raised in New Jersey. After playing for Syracuse and Illinois in college, DeVito signed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft.
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DeVito enjoyed the finest outing of his young career against the Commanders, throwing for 246 yards and three touchdowns before going for 191 yards and a score against the Pats. For Daboll, those wins are enough for the rookie to retain his job for now, adding: “I just thought Tommy earned it.
“Went back, watched all the tape, thought he played two good games. Obviously there are things we can all work on. Thought he earned the right to play.” DeVito's recent play has opened some eyes and he has ultimately made the Giants believe he currently gives them the best chance to win. Daboll added: “I think Tommy has done a good job. He's improved in each of the games he's played. I thought he played well the last two games. Made good decisions, was accurate with the football and earned the right to play.”
DeVito has tossed six touchdown passes and one interception in his starts against the Cowboys, Patriots and Commanders. The Giants will now look to develop their young quarterback, who is popular in the locker room with players like star running back Saquon Barkley yelling ‘Jersey!’ in his presence, for the rest of the season.
Giants players have celebrated touchdowns with the Italian hand gesture as an homage to Tommy DeVito's heritage (AP)“I wasn't surprised,” DeVito said. “At the same time, I didn't know what was going to happen. I was told during the bye week there was a decision that was going to be made. And as soon as there was a decision, I would be made aware. And I was. I’m happy about it, but at the same time it's a job. You still have to go out and perform. It's not like you're at the top now, which I'm completely far from, but I'm just going to go out and get better each and every day and try to earn the respect of my teammates, my coaches and try to do that every play.”
DeVito and several other Giants players have celebrated touchdowns recently by waving the Italian hand gesture with two pinched fingers in the air. It proves how popular the young quarterback is within the locker room as he attempts to secure the starting role for the long term.
Meanwhile, Taylor practiced and has his 21-day window to be activated off IR opened on Monday. The veteran will serve as the backup to DeVito, assuming he gets through the week healthy and is cleared by doctors for game action. The 4-8 Giants face the 6-6 Packers on Monday Night Football in Week 14.