Yardbarker
x
Giants' Tommy DeVito addresses facing Bill Belichick
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito. Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Giants' Tommy DeVito addresses facing Patriots' Bill Belichick

New York Giants undrafted rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito participated in a food distribution event at the Meadowlands YMCA in East Rutherford on Tuesday but made it clear he's fully focused on facing a defensive game plan created by New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick this coming Sunday. 

"...I’m focusing on football because one week they love you, the next week they hate you," DeVito told Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. "I’m keeping my routine the same. I’m out here because it’s Thanksgiving, but I was in the facility before this and I’m going back after this. There is no off day for a quarterback, especially when you are a rookie going up against Bill Belichick."

Sunday's matchup at MetLife Stadium between the 2-8 Patriots and 3-8 Giants may be a missable affair for casual football fans, but DeVito left no doubt following this past Sunday's 31-19 win at the Washington Commanders that he and his teammates haven't yet thrown in the towel regarding what's become a disappointing season for the franchise. A native of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, DeVito took nine sacks versus the Commanders but completed 18-of-26 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns in the finest outing, to date, of his young pro career. 

"I know it’s going to be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to it," DeVito said about playing against a defense guided by who is thought by many to be the greatest coach in NFL history. "Our coaches are going to have a good plan for me, and I’m going to try to lead our offense to enough points to win a game. I’m going to study, prepare and expect the unexpected. There’s a million ways to do things, but it’s football: You just have to execute." 

In total, DeVito has completed 49-of-80 passes (61.3%) for 506 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He's also added 77 yards and a score on 16 carries. 

As of Wednesday morning, oddschecker listed a Patriots team that may not announce a starting quarterback until Sunday as a three-point favorite against the Giants. Meanwhile, DeVito seems to understand he's guaranteed nothing as it pertains to a spot with Big Blue beyond early January considering the team could draft a replacement for injured starter Daniel Jones next spring. 

"I feel like I’ve shown growth from week to week, and that’s all I’m trying to do," DeVito acknowledged. "Get better with every snap and cherish the opportunity that I have." 

Paul Schwartz of the New York Post mentioned Wednesday the Giants should want to see what DeVito is and isn't before Week 18 concludes. Perhaps the 25-year-old can prove to be the club's top positive story from a lost campaign. 

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.