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The New York Giants have made a long-awaited change under center, benching quarterback Daniel Jones for Tommy DeVito after the Week 11 bye. In doing so, head coach Brian Daboll effectively ended Jones’ tenure in New York , but opened the door for DeVito to win himself next year’s backup quarterback job. DeVito’s second stint as the Giants’ starter cannot promise improvement.
But at some point, a shakeup is necessary and it’s entirely possible that DeVito provides the spark Daboll cited when explaining his decision. © Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images Few would benefit more from that development more than receiver Malik Nabers. The rookie receiver started fast, looking like an instant sensation while Jones was competent in September.
But after suffering a concussion, his production has slipped, unequivocally tied to his quarterback’s struggles. Nabers was asked about the quarterback change on Thursday. “Reaction was just rally around DeVito, still support DJ as much as possible,” Jones said .
“But rally around DeVito and it's a new game. New game plan, we got to get some reps in. So that was really my main focus, was just getting some reps with him, making sure we prepare for the game this Sunday.
” One of the things standing between Nabers and production could be his rapport with DeVito. While the two got to get work early in the offseason when Jones was rehabbing his knee, DeVito hasn’t been taking reps with the starters until now. However, Nabers is confident his skill set will make things easy on the second-year passer.
“I don't think it's really hard,” Nabers said. “I mean at the end of the day, it's still throw the football, catch the ball. So, I get open pretty well, I create a lot of separation.
So, I'm sure he's going to be able to see me on different routes. When I get open, he's going to be able to deliver the ball.” Both DeVito and Jones share a proclivity for taking sacks.
But as Jones grew increasingly hesitant as a passer, his replacement has flashed a quick trigger when the first read was open. Related: Giants' Tommy DeVito Must Improve One Skill Nabers, of course, is the intended target on a disproportionate share of New York’s passes. His 94 targets ranks fourth in the league this season, a number that’d be higher if Jones was more aggressive.
“His intentions with the ball are precise,” Nabers said. “He's able to deliver the ball before you get out your break. So Daboll told me, 'Make sure you get your head around pretty fast because the ball's going to be coming'.
So that's my main focus is just getting my head around. He's going to throw the ball before I get out of my break. So just having that as a quarterback for anticipation for him to throw the ball before you get out your break.
So that's what we need.” Not much is changing for the rookie phenom. He’s still the focal point of the offense, a magnet for manufactured touches, and the quickest route to explosive plays.
If DeVito is going to have success, it’s going to be through Nabers’ skill set. “I mean, I don't want anything, I just want the ball. As long as you can give me the ball, then we good.
” Related: Can Tommy DeVito Provide Giants With 'Spark?'.
