New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll announced in a press conference that Tyrod Taylor will be starting over Tommy Devito in their week 18 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Taylor came in for relief against the Giants’ first game against the Eagles on Christmas Day, and almost led the Giants to a comeback win. The Giants ended up losing by one score, but Taylor reinvigorated the offense. Daboll said the replacement was made to “try to spark the team.”
“Trying to spark the team”
Brian Daboll explains his decision to bench Tommy DeVito for Tyrod Taylor in Christmas day loss to Eagles
Read here https://t.co/rqoLtjHsHK pic.twitter.com/6DmSoCcKdl— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) December 26, 2023
This reinvigoration got him the start against the Los Angeles Rams in week 17. Taylor had over 300 yards in the air, but the Giants dropped their third straight in a 26-25 loss. Taylor’s start against the Eagles will be his fifth of the season.
Taylor came in for starting quarterback Daniel Jones when he suffered a neck injury, but Devito replaced Jones after his torn ACL due to Taylor being on injured reserve. While the game may not mean much for the Giants as they are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, Taylor hits the free agency market this offseason and this is a chance to prove he has something left in the tank.
New York Giants QB Tyrod Taylor is one of the most sought after backups in the league
Taylor joined the league as a sixth-round pick in 2011. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens, and has played for six different teams during his NFL career.
His most productive years were when he was the starting QB for the Buffalo Bills from 2015-2017. Taylor ended the franchise’s 18-year playoff drought, and never threw more than six interceptions in any of those three seasons.
Taylor never put up gaudy numbers, but he was consistent and his rushing upside always forced opposing teams to gameplan uniquely. This season with the Giants is the first time Taylor has amassed over 1,000 yards passing since his time with the Bills.
In an article from the New York Post, teammate and wide receiver Darius Slayton explains how impressive Taylor’s career is.
“The way he handles things, he don’t ever cause any problems, but at the same time he has a lot of confidence. He gives guys advice when he can, he encourages guys if they’re down,” Slayton said. “If you were a young guy, a rookie or something, that’s somebody that you want to emulate as a pro.”
The week 18 matchup with the Eagles is Taylor’s chance to prove there is still some juice left as he looks to find another home in the offseason.
The New York Giants had to ignore the fanfare surrounding QB Tommy Devito to make the right choice
Although Devito was a favorite amongst Giants fans due to his distinctly Italian ways, his play as a QB did not justify a starting position. Devito only eclipsed the 200-yard mark one time as a passer. He also only threw for multiple touchdowns on two occasions, one of which was in a blowout against the Dallas Cowboys in a game that he only had 86 yards passing.
Devito was efficient and took care of the ball as a starter during the Giants’ three-game win streak. Devito’s last interception was against the Cowboys in the middle of November. In the win against the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football, Devito only threw for 158 yards.
Despite a single touchdown on 158 yards, Devito’s 81% completion rate and zero interceptions allowed the Giants to eek out a win against a team that has a chance to make the playoffs. Devito also had a career-high 71 rushing yards in the primetime win.
Tommy Devito v. Packers
17/21 158 yards 1 TD
10 rushes 71 yardsAll of his throws & runs from his 3rd victory. (minus the read option because ESPN split screen) pic.twitter.com/VVeEKpCLnW
— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) December 12, 2023
Despite Devito’s ability to protect the ball, he is often not able to move the offense at a rate that can win them games against other high-powered offenses. He only had 55 yards passing before he was pulled in the Giants’ previous game against the Eagles.
Even if Devito does not get another chance, he may have already done enough to find a spot on an NFL roster for years to come. His time as a starter may be over, but if he can continue to be efficient and careful with the ball he can carve out a solid NFL career.
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