The New York Giants benched quarterback Tommy DeVito at halftime during their Christmas Day clash against the Philadelphia Eagles, replacing the undrafted rookie with veteran Tyrod Taylor.
The decision paid quick dividends for the team, as Taylor propelled the team to its first touchdown scoring drive of the game to open up the second half.
FOX sideline reporter Pam Oliver spoke to Giants coach Brian Daboll during the halftime break, who explained the team’s move to shake things up at quarterback ahead of the third quarter.
“It turns out it’s just a coach’s decision,” Oliver said on the FOX broadcast. “I guess [Daboll’s] not satisfied with Tommy DeVito’s performance. DeVito still continues to throw and warm up on the sideline, but he’s out.”
New York’s offense struggled with DeVito under center in the first half. The team had just three points entering the break, and the quarterback had just 55 passing yards on 9-of-16 attempts.
DeVito had gone seven consecutive quarters without throwing a touchdown, having been stifled during the Week 15 loss against the New Orleans Saints. His last touchdown pass came during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers in Week 14.
Taylor has made three starts for the Giants this season, and Monday marks the ninth game he’s featured in during the campaign.
The Giants trailed the Eagles 20–18 entering the fourth quarter.
