The New York Giants made a curious quarterback move this week when the team benched undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito for journeyman veteran Tyrod Taylor.
DeVito had started the previous six games for the Giants after he took over for the injured Daniel Jones with Taylor still nursing a rib injury, but was benched midway through this past week’s match against the Philadelphia Eagles for Taylor.
So rather than return to DeVito for Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams, the Giants opted to go with Taylor.
That decision puzzled analyst Peter Schrager.
“I was surprised by it, also,” Schrager said. “I guess they thought that the level was so, so far superior with Tyrod once he went in than with DeVito that story and narrative and salaries aside, like, you look at the rest of the team – they get a better shot at winning the game against the Rams this weekend with Tyrod Taylor at quarterback.”
What is going on with the #Giants QB room?@davidhelman_ x @PSchrags discuss🎙: https://t.co/szpGO23Vsh pic.twitter.com/vSNkusLFMB
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The decision is also curious because of what it means for the Giants’ short and long-term futures.
DeVito had won three consecutive games for the Giants before a bad loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 15 and a bad half against the Eagles, while Taylor almost led New York to a win over Philadelphia but had gone 1-2 in three starts earlier this year.
Taylor completed 7-of-16 passes for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the loss.
Taylor helps the Giants win now and can help offensive players grow fundamentally, but benching DeVito means the team can’t evaluate a potential backup quarterback more with Jones still recovering from his ACL injury.
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