SPORT NEWS: Tommy DeVito Quickly Learns What Daniel Jones Experienced After Giants QB Change.giang

Tommy DeVito had a first hand experience of what Daniel Jones went through as the Giants quarterback before being released by New York earlier in the week.

DeVito was tabbed the starter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and in his first start of the 2024 NFL season, the 26-year-old completed 21-of-31 passes for 189 yards with no touchdowns in what was a laugher by the end of the third quarter. The Giants did not score until the fourth quarter, thanks to a Devin Singletary rush early in that period.

With the Buccaneers defense keeping DeVito in check throughout most of the game, Tampa Bay also gave New York’s new starter a wake up call. During the first quarter, the Buccaneers defense rushed the Giants offensive line hard.

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In doing so, New York’s line collapsed with ease, leaving DeVito open after the snap. Tampa Bay’s Christian Izien immediately honed in on DeVito as the quarterback surveyed the field to see who he could throw it to before Izien could intercept the pass, or worse.

While DeVito evaded Izien, his move put him directly in the path of Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, who immediately sacked the 26-year-old with force. Many on social media have called Kancey’s hit to be the hardest sack of the season and considering how forcefully the 23-year-old slammed into DeVito, it stands to reason why many feel that way.

To add insult to injury, Buccaneers quarterback elected to rub salt into the wound of Giants fans tuning in to watch how DeVito fared in the 30-7 loss. As time ran out in the second quarter, Mayfield vaulted himself into the end zone despite being met by resistance.

While celebrating, Mayfield stole DeVito’s celebration, pumping his hands up and down aggressively with his fingers pinched, similar to how the 26-year-old celebrated. Of note, DeVito’s celebration paid homage to his Italian roots.

After the game, Giants head coach Brian Daboll spoke with reporters about the hits DeVito and Jones received throughout this season and how New York could address those, especially since the offensive line tends to break down rather easily. “Yeah, we’ll see why there were,” he began. “The hits were the hits. We’ll take a look at that and try to correct what we can.”

Additionally, DeVito shared what was going through his mind as he got the hit and his first start of the season under his belt. “First time being out there in a while, playing real football again since preseason so probably going to take some time to get adjusted a little bit to getting hit again but I’ll be OK,” he told reporters after the loss.

For the Giants, it remains to be seen where the organization goes after releasing Jones. Jones formally requested his release after he was demoted from starter to being the No. 4 quarterback on the depth chart, which included seeing his role changed to scout-team safety.

Giants owner John Mara explained how he appreciated Jones’ approach to the situation, calling him a “first class” player. “We are all disappointed in how things have worked out. We hold Daniel in high regard and have a great appreciation for him. We wish him nothing but the best in the future,” Mara said in a statement.

The Giants will hope to get their play back on track against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving in a quick turnaround.