In an unexpected pivot, the New York Giants have made the bold decision to bench quarterback Daniel Jones, relying on the undrafted Tommy DeVito to steer the ship as the team's new starting quarterback. This surprising move by Giants' general manager Joe Schoen signifies a serious change in direction as the 2024 NFL season reaches its critical phase.
The Rise and Fall of Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones has been a central figure in the Giants' offensive playbook for several years. His time in New York had its high moments, notably leading the team to a playoff victory in the 2022 season and becoming a strong contender for the Comeback Player of the Year award. Jones' dual-threat capability was on full display that year with 22 scores, five interceptions, and an impressive tally of over 700 rushing yards, which had many envisioning a bright future.
However, injuries have unfortunately marred Jones' recent career. A devastating torn ACL sidelined him in the 2023 season after just six games. Prior to his injury, Jones' performance showed signs of decline, with a 1-5 start to the season and seven turnovers. This trend continued into 2024, as he struggled once again, registering only three wins in his last 16 starts. His current passer rating of 79.4 places him 32nd among his peers, putting considerable pressure on the Giants' leadership to reconsider their options.
A New Chapter with Tommy DeVito
Enter Tommy DeVito, a 26-year-old undrafted quarterback hailing from Illinois. DeVito's potential became evident during the 2023 season, where he achieved a respectable 3-3 record as a fill-in starter. His rookie statistics of eight touchdowns and three interceptions didn’t go unnoticed as he helped stabilize the team's offensive struggles.
Joe Schoen described the decision to elevate DeVito as "a football decision," highlighting it as a move aimed at rejuvenating the Giants' undermined performance and morale. Although Jones' large four-year, $160 million contract extension signed before the 2023 season looms over the franchise, the shift to DeVito underscores a priority on current capabilities rather than past achievements.
Strategic Adjustments and Future Prospects
In conjunction with DeVito’s promotion, the Giants have added another layer of depth by signing Drew Lock as their No. 2 quarterback in the offseason. Lock has already played a supporting role, providing relief for Jones in two games this season. This strategic maneuver allows the Giants to maintain flexibility and readiness as they navigate the remaining fixtures.
The move comes ahead of a challenging matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where DeVito is set to make his 2024 season debut in Week 12. For the Giants, this start is more than just another game. It's a litmus test for DeVito, the undrafted quarterback with a new opportunity to prove his worth on the NFL stage. The decision to bring DeVito to the forefront could potentially revitalize the Giants' offensive approach and inject the team with competitive vigor.
Looking Forward
As the Giants anticipate this fresh chapter, fans and analysts alike are poised to see whether DeVito can leverage this opportunity to establish himself as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future. While DeVito's path has been unconventional, his current promotion aligns with the organization's desire to reshape their offense amidst recent struggles. His performance in the upcoming games will undoubtedly shape the Giants' trajectory as they seek to reclaim their competitive edge in the league.
In a sport where the unexpected often reigns supreme, the Giants' decisive shift might just offer the resurgence they need, beginning with a promising quarterback with everything to prove.