Giants coach Brian Daboll couldn’t help but be in a good mood after his team’s 31–19 road win over the Commanders on Sunday.
When asked about rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito’s performance in his first career win and his second straight start, the 48-year-old coach thought of a perfect, and literal, response.
“How much did Tommy DeVito grow today?” one reporter asked.
“I think he’s the same height,” Daboll joked.
Surprisingly, the comment didn’t spark much laughter from the room full of reporters, as the video below captures. Daboll immediately switched his tone to offer a more serious answer.
Reporter: "How much did Tommy DeVito grow today?"
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 19, 2023
Brian Daboll: "I think he's the same height."pic.twitter.com/qIgjVcfZ3E
It was DeVito’s best performance of his young NFL career, as the reporter originally implied when asking Daboll the question. The 25-year-old completed 18 of 26 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns, although he was sacked nine times. He also provided a memorable celebration after throwing a first-quarter touchdown pass to Saquon Barkley.
DeVito has started in the absence of Daniel Jones, who tore his ACL against the Raiders on Nov. 5, and Tyrod Taylor, who is on injured reserve due to a rib injury. Jones is expected to be out for the remainder of the season, while Taylor is eligible to return in Week 14.