In a surprising move that has captured the attention of NFL fans and analysts alike, the New York Giants have decided to bench quarterback Daniel Jones, opting instead to start Tommy DeVito. This decision comes in the midst of a challenging season for Jones, whose career record now stands at 24-44-1 over 68 regular-season starts.
The decision to bench Jones is a significant one, given the substantial investment the Giants have made in their former starting quarterback. Jones was awarded a $160 million contract, with $82 million guaranteed, a commitment that showed the franchise's faith in his abilities to lead them back to prominence. However, his performance has been a topic of concern, particularly after a recent showing against the Panthers where Jones managed only 190 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of just 50.5.
Despite these struggles, Jones has demonstrated potential. In the 2022 regular season, he achieved a commendable 92.5 rating, boasting a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15 to 5. Notably, Jones led the league in 2022 with the lowest interception rate among qualifying quarterbacks at 1.1%, a statistic that underscores his ability to manage the game efficiently in previous performances.
One of the highlights of Jones' tenure with the Giants was his playoff victory against the Minnesota Vikings, where he completed more than 68% of his passes for 301 yards, scoring two touchdowns without throwing any interceptions. This performance indicated that Jones can rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations, although such moments have been sporadic.
The Giants' current predicament, however, extends beyond individual performances. Financial considerations are also at play. The team stands to save over $19 million by parting ways with Jones, a factor that may influence their long-term strategy and underscored the urgency to explore other options such as DeVito.
Meanwhile, the Giants' interest in the No. 3 overall spot in the 2024 NFL Draft has sparked speculation regarding their future quarterback plans. With several promising college quarterbacks emerging as potential top picks, the Giants seem intent on carefully evaluating their options. Cameron Ward from Miami, for example, possesses a 6.4% big-time throw rate, complemented by a solid completion rate of 67%. Colorado's Sanders showcases an adjusted completion rate of 81.9% with a noteworthy ratio of big-time throws to turnover-worthy plays, demonstrating both precision and prudence. Alabama's Jalen Milroe continues to see a steady improvement in his adjusted completion rate over the past three seasons, indicating a promising upward trajectory. Quinn Ewers from Texas has also caught the attention of scouts, primarily due to his experience in the College Football Playoff, which speaks to his capability under high-stakes conditions.
These developments hint at a broader search by the Giants to find a quarterback who can not only deliver on the field but also lead the franchise into a new era of success. As the team navigates its current challenges, the decisions made in this period could define the trajectory of their next few seasons.
For now, all eyes are on Tommy DeVito and what he can bring to the table. The Giants' fanbase, already invested in the rollercoaster journey with Jones, will undoubtedly be eager to see how this new chapter unfolds and whether DeVito can inject a fresh dynamism into the team's offense. As the NFL season progresses, the Giants' quarterback saga will remain a focal point of intrigue and discussion.