Giants QB defends Daniel Jones as franchise-altering decision looms ahead

Unless quarterback Daniel Jones becomes an overnight sensation en route to guiding the 2-7 New York Giants on a magical run to the playoffs, it seems inevitable he'll soon be benched so the club can part ways with him after the season. 

2023 undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito could replace Jones in the lineup as soon as Week 12, coming off New York's bye. DeVito nevertheless defended his teammate during a recent chat with Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. 

"D.J. probably gets [criticism] the worst across the NFL because you are in that New York/New Jersey market," DeVito explained. "It’s really cutthroat. That’s the thing about being a quarterback: We get a lot of praise and a lot of hate — rightfully so, with the position we play … but we have his back always and shoot each other straight in our quarterback room."

Credit DeVito for having Jones' back, but the writing is on the wall. While Giants head coach Brian Daboll confirmed on Monday he plans to start Jones for this coming Sunday's contest versus the 2-7 Carolina Panthers in Germany, many believe Big Blue is one loss away from sitting a healthy Jones, so the injury guarantee for 2025 attached to his contract can't get triggered. 

DeVito or primary backup Drew Lock could get the nod for New York's game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 24. 

Throughout Jones' tenure with the Giants, which began on the opening night of the 2019 draft, analysts and fans have routinely ripped the 27-year-old for lacking fire and being "a flatliner." Jones has shown more emotion as of late, and he produced a highlight-reel moment when he ran over a pair of defenders to score a touchdown during this past Sunday's loss to the Washington Commanders.

"To see his celebration, he was just kind of turnt up. You don’t really see that side of him," Giants receiver Wan'Dale Robinson said about Jones' reaction to finding the end zone against Washington. "So, I was happy for him. … I just think that’s just kind of the fire that’s starting to come out of him. And I think he knows that we like to see it." 

As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Giants as five-point favorites over the Panthers. Such a line suggests Jones has a good chance of remaining New York's QB1 through at least the start of the Tampa Bay game.