Giants Quarterback Carousel Continues Amid Loss to Saints
In a season fraught with injuries, the New York Giants faced another setback as quarterback Tommy DeVito was sidelined due to an injury against the New Orleans Saints. The hit that took DeVito out of play did not draw a penalty, adding to the Giants' frustrations. Tyrod Taylor, who had previously been replaced by DeVito after suffering his own injury, stepped in once again and managed to complete two passes.
Despite the rough start, DeVito made a return to the field in the third quarter following a thorough evaluation. His resilience, however, wasn't enough to steer the Giants to victory. The team ultimately fell to the Saints with a final score of 6-24, continuing a challenging season for the storied franchise.
DeVito's Tenure as Starter and Team Injuries
Before his exit from the game, DeVito had been building a solid record as a starter, boasting a 3-1 record. His ascent came on the heels of Daniel Jones' season-ending ACL tear, thrusting DeVito into the starting role unexpectedly. However, DeVito's rise has been one of the few bright spots in a season marred by significant injuries across the Giants roster.
The Giants' injury woes were further compounded when kicker Randy Bullock strained his hamstring during a kickoff. Prior to his injury, Bullock had successfully completed a 56-yard field goal, demonstrating his value to the team. With Bullock sidelined, punter Jamie Gillan was forced to assume kicking duties, a role he admitted required a mental shift. "At halftime, I just ran into the locker room real quick and grabbed a drink, and I was right back out there, I would have to be kicking field goals," said Gillan. He later added, "That's a whole different mindset for me. I'm focused on doing my job and doing it to the best of my ability. And now I had another job."
Hamstring injuries have become a recurring theme for the Giants this year, affecting multiple players on the roster. Cade York, listed as the backup kicker, was not called upon, leaving Gillan to handle both punting and placekicking responsibilities.
Across Town: Jets Suffer Shutout and Playoff Elimination
While the Giants grapple with their own challenges, their cross-town rivals, the New York Jets, are facing tribulations of their own. The Jets suffered a crushing 30-0 defeat at the hands of the Miami Dolphins, a loss that officially eliminated them from playoff contention. Starting quarterback Zach Wilson was ruled out before halftime due to a concussion, adding to the Jets' offensive struggles.
The Jets have also been without star quarterback Aaron Rodgers since Week 1 due to a torn Achilles. While Rodgers was nearing a clearance to return to play, the team's loss and subsequent elimination from playoff contention have cast doubt on his immediate future with the team. With little left to play for this season, Rodgers is unlikely to be rushed back onto the 53-man roster.
The decision regarding Rodgers' return seems influenced by the Jets' performance and standings. With the playoffs no longer a possibility, the focus may shift towards recovery and preparation for the next season, rather than risking further injury to their veteran quarterback.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season winds down, both New York teams are contending with the reality of their situations. For the Giants, the development of Tommy DeVito as a potentially reliable quarterback option offers some hope for the future. On the other hand, the Jets must regroup and reassess their strategy, especially with regard to their quarterback situation and the health of key players like Aaron Rodgers.
With each team facing its own set of challenges, the off-season will be a critical period for rebuilding and addressing the injury concerns that have plagued both squads throughout the year. As the curtain falls on a difficult season, the hope for renewal and a fresh start come next fall hangs in the balance for these storied franchises.