Just two short weeks ago, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll insisted that he would not change his quarterback on a week-to-week basis. He has now reneged on that promise.
On Wednesday, Daboll revealed that veteran Tyrod Taylor will start at quarterback against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17. Rookie Tommy DeVito will be benched and serve as his backup.
“Felt Ty did some good things in the second half against Philly and earned the right to start,” Daboll told reporters.
The decision comes after Daboll removed DeVito from a Christmas Day loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at halftime, replacing him with the aforementioned Taylor.
Previously, Daboll had suggested that DeVito gave the Giants their best chance to win. That notion was never steeped in any sort of reality but it made sense for New York to ride the hot hand (DeVito won three games in a row).
The DeVito run was entertaining and the rookie did prove there’s more to him than meets the eye, but the results didn’t match the actual on-field production.
Tommy Devito in 2023
Out of 37 QB's
EPA/Play: 35th
Success%: 37th
CPOE: 35th
Air yards: 36thRemoving Saints/Eagles game:
Out of 36 QB's
EPA/Play: 32nd
Success%: 35th
CPOE: 24th
Air yards: 32nd— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) December 26, 2023
“It’s tough. It’s just a constant reminder that it’s a business,” DeVito said after the Week 16 loss. “They’re always going to try to find someone to replace you, wherever it is. At the same time, it is a business. It’s your job. I respect it. There’s no hard feelings one way or another.”
With just two games remained, expectations are that Taylor, a pending free agent, will remain under center barring injury and that the Tommy DeVito train has reached the station.
