Tommy DeVito remaining Giants’ starting QB for Week 16 clash vs. Eagles: ‘He’s earned it’

Dec 17, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) gestures at the line of scrimmage during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

As New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll began to walk away from the podium following a demoralizing 24-6 loss to the New Orleans Saints, he was hurriedly asked if Tommy DeVito would still be the team’s starting quarterback for their Christmas Day, Week 16 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Yep, yep,” as he leaned back toward the microphone. 

Less than 24 hours later and Daboll was still just as confident with the decision, which could have been seen as a hasty one given the Giants’ quarterback situation right now.

“I felt comfortable saying it there that he’s going to be the starter,” Daboll said on Monday. “He’s earned it. I’m not going to make a week-to-week change. He’s earned it. It’s not always going to be perfect, but he’s earned the opportunity to play.”

DeVito still has Daboll and the Giants’ trust even with veteran Tyrod Taylor back in the fold and despite a poor performance against the Saints.  He was sacked seven times while completing just 58.8% of his passes for 177 yards in the loss, which came on the heels of him winning NFC Offensive Player of the Week after orchestrating a game-winning drive against the Green Bay Packers that extended New York’s winning streak to three games and moved them one game out of a playoff spot. 

Taylor was forced to come in for four snaps at the end of the first half when DeVito was forced to undergo a concussion check — much to his chagrin — following a six-yard scramble when he was hit by New Orleans’ Isaac Yiadom while sliding and his head appeared to bounce off the turf. He lay motionless for a beat before popping back up.

“I guess they called from upstairs and said they had to check me,” DeVito said. “But I felt…