New York Giants football was back on the air on Friday. There were plenty of things to be excited about with Big Blue with their young rookies and depth players trying to make the team. In the end, the Detroit Lions clutched up in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Adrian Martinez led Detroit down the field and scored the game-winning touchdown.
Here are three takeaways from the New York Giants’ loss to the Lions.
Tommy Devito Looked Okay, But Needs Plenty Of Time
Look, I joined the Tommy Devito bandwagon after his performance at rookie camp this offseason. He looked good to where the coaching staff was excited about him, and who wouldn’t want to root for the local kid? The young man grew up 20 minutes from MetLife Stadium!
In his first NFL game, he didn’t look too bad. He was efficient, completing 15 of his 24 pass attempts for 155 yards.
Tommy Devito to Tommy Sweeney for a Giants touchdown!!!! pic.twitter.com/FsijmVc5F9
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 12, 2023
Atta boy.
There were a few times when Devito used his legs to escape pressure and did so in a necessary manner. But, other times we saw the former Syracuse product hold on the ball for long periods of time. We know that quarterbacks don’t have much time to get rid of the football. Devito held on for so long, it seemed like he thought there was no defense trying to get to him.
In the end, he was sacked five times and threw a game-ending interception. We’ll get to the offensive line in a bit, but it’s the quarterback’s responsibility to extend the play as best as he can. Devito failed at that against Detroit, and this needs immediate work if he wants to remain on the roster.
That'll do it!#NYGvsDET
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 12, 2023
? Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/na9m1tSh8i
Deonte Banks + Tre Hawkins III Is The Future
I remember playing cornerback in high school. Was I any good? No. Not even close.
As for Banks and Hawkins III, the Giants have some studs in their hands.
Starting with Banks, the first-round pick held his own when he was on the field.
#Lions super-fast WR Jameson Williams vs #Giants rookie first round pick CB Deonte Banks 1-on-1pic.twitter.com/vV6L1iNWsw
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 11, 2023
That’s what you expect from a first-rounder, I tell you. Williams was held to just 18 yards on two catches, and props to Banks for contributing to that. The speed we saw from Banks should make the coaching staff confident in guarding star wideouts this season.
As for Hawkins III, the sixth-rounder also held his own out on the field. The cornerback wrapped up when necessary, racking up five total tackles while preventing big plays in coverage.
There will be growing pains with these two young men this season. But, continued development and snaps on the field makes me think they will be solid contributors for years to come.
Depth. Depth. And More Depth. Needed. Now.
Remember how Devito was sacked five times? He takes half the blame. The other half? The putrid offensive line.
I get it. The guys out there with Devito were second and third-string offensive linemen. They do realize they are battling for a roster spot on the team, right?
It's a hat trick of sacks for @julian_okwara!#NYGvsDET
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 12, 2023
? Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/g4oqbyldDV
If I see Wyatt Davis on the 53-man roster at the end of preseason, so help me God…
The right tackle was terrible. But, the other linemen were terrible too.
Two games remain for this position group to figure things out and protect whoever is under center. Thank goodness for guys like Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal. John Michael Schmitz looked solid, and we love to see that from the young rookie. As for the depth behind them, that’s a different story. Knock on wood, if any of the starting linemen go down this season, the G-Men are in big trouble.
Thank you for reading “Three Takeaways From Giants’ Loss to Lions”! Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter! Check out my podcast “The Case and Nate Show” on Spotify, with episodes set to release every Wednesday. We talk New York Giants football as well as dip our toes into Syracuse football!
