2 days Ago
The New York Giants will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, but they’ll do so with a different starting quarterback. It’ll be Tommy DeVito under center, rather than Daniel Jones, in a switch made to spark the Giants ’ offense. DeVito last saw game action in 2023, when he quickly rose to the status of a cult hero before his inevitable reality check late in the year.
With another year under his belt, he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his development and make a bid for next year’s backup quarterback spot. © Scott Rausenberger-USA TODAY Sports But if DeVito takes sacks at the same rate as he did last season, he might not survive New York’s second half. Among quarterbacks with at least 100 dropbacks last season, DeVito turned 37.
4 percent of pressures into sacks, easily the most in the league. The game’s best hover around 10 percent. Jones ranked second-worst at 31.
6 percent. It’s an untenable way to play the quarterback position and one head coach Brian Daboll’s offense cannot sustain. However, Daboll has cited DeVito’s grasp of the offense and his quick release before, both attributes helpful in mitigating pressure.
The Giants also should be better up front than the last time DeVito was under center and the offensive line was filled with second- and third-string linemen. Related: Can Tommy DeVito Provide Giants With 'Spark?' Left tackle Andrew Thomas won’t be present, of course, but right tackle Evan Neal performed admirably in Week 10 and the interior has held up well, helping DeVito operate with a little more breathing room in his sequel. DeVito’s inability to evade pressure led to a league-high sack rate of 17.
21 percent. That’s a recipe for disaster, especially for a passer who hasn’t shown the ability to compensate for weaknesses by creating explosive plays. New York has spent much of the season behind the sticks, but Jones’ sack avoidance has trended towards league average.
If DeVito is going to give the offense a jolt, he’ll have to follow Jones’ footsteps first to earn himself the opportunities to play from a more advantageous position. Related: Giants Bench Daniel Jones Ahead of Bucs' Matchup.
