*a series dedicated to profiling the players on the Giants’ roster. Know The Giant will be released daily from now until the start of the season. Up next: quarterback Tommy Devito.
Basic Information
- Age: 25 years old
- College: Syracuse
- Experience: entering second year in the league
- Record as starter: 3-3
- Joined Giants in free agency last season, signed to practice squad
Career Statistics
- Nine games played, six starts (all in 2023)
- 1,101 yards passing, eight touchdowns, three interceptions
- 36 carries, 195 yards rushing, one touchdown
Overview
The Italian man himself. Tommy Cutlets. The Devito Man. Whatever you call him, Tommy Devito has made a name for himself in East Rutherford. After being activated onto the active roster on October 14th, 2023, no one thought of him as making any sorts of impact.
That is, until he had to step in at emergency quarterback against the New York Jets in week eight. A forgettable game that saw him record -1 passing yards, fans called for him to never step on the field again.
But, he just needed time. Time and experience on an NFL football field. He finally got his first win as a starter in week 11, throwing for 246 yards and three touchdowns against the Washington Commanders.
He led the Giants to a second straight win, beating the Patriots the very next week. Then, came a primetime game against the Green Bay Packers. Boy, did he step up in the bright lights.
Tommy Devito v. Packers
— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) December 12, 2023
17/21 158 yards 1 TD
10 rushes 71 yards
All of his throws & runs from his 3rd victory. (minus the read option because ESPN split screen) pic.twitter.com/VVeEKpCLnW
A 24-22 win improved the Giants record to 5-8, with an outside chance at a playoff spot looming. But, three straight losses (two of them starts by Devito) ended the team’s chances rather quickly. Devito didn’t play well in those games that he appeared in, including just 55 yards on Christmas Day against the Green Bay Packers.
In the end, 2023 was an up-and-down year for Devito. But, he became a fan favorite who quieted many doubters with his good play at times.
2024 Expectations
With a healthy Daniel Jones and the addition of Drew Lock, Devito will once again have to fight to be the QB2. Though, if the GIants carry three quarterbacks into this season, he has the inside track with the only competition being Nathan Rourke.
He does have flaws. Last season, when defenses took away his first read, he struggled mightily. Also, he doesn’t have a strong of an arm as you want in a starting quarterback.
It didn’t help the offensive line was putrid. He was sacked 37 times, taking hit after hit by opposing defenses.
But, he wasn’t afraid to sling the rock deep, making him someone you can’t easily just cut. Unlike Jones, Devito would try to push the ball down the field. Something that Brian Daboll wants to see in his offense.
If he can improve on his reads and overall awareness, then Devito will remain on the roster. If not the Giants, then another team will take a chance on him based on his play last season.
Unless an injury occurs to Jones and/or Lock, Devito will be no more than a QB3 in 2024.
Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out me and my co-host Brian Germinaro on the Third and Ten Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!
Featured Image: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
