Washington Commanders' Jack Del Rio Reveals Thoughts on New York Giants' Tommy DeVito

Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio discussed his impressions of New York Giants rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito.

The New York Giants are sticking with undrafted rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito for their Week 11 matchup with the Washington Commanders, likely because they don't believe that they have a better option with both Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor on injured reserve. 

Still, Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was complimentary of DeVito ahead of this Sunday's tilt, suggesting that Giants coach Brian Daboll appears to have confidence in the rookie. 

“Athletic guy," Del Rio said of DeVito. "They're running their offense. He's got the ability to throw it, run [it]. It looks like they're not really handcuffing him, looks like they're trying to run their offense.”

Tommy DeVito will start at quarterback for the New York Giants in Week 11 against the Washington Commanders.  / USA Today

In parts of three games under center for the Giants, DeVito has completed 31 of 54 pass attempts (57.4% completion percentage), while throwing three touchdowns and three interceptions. He's been sacked 13 times already, but does have 70 rushing yards and a touchdown scamper. 

Veteran Matt Barkley -- familiar with Daboll's system from their time with the Buffalo Bills -- is currently the backup to DeVito. Once upon a time Barkley was seen as a possible future NFL star while he was playing collegiately at USC. But he ended up going to the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and the 33-year-old has 11 touchdowns to 22 interceptions in his career. There wouldn't be a ton of upside to playing Barkley, especially given that the 2-8 Giants have no path to the postseason. 

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By playing DeVito, at least until Taylor returns from a rib injury, the Giants will be able to see what they have in the 25-year-old. If he's serviceable, perhaps he can be developed into a long-term backup. If not, the Giants will continue to lose and get themselves into position to take a top quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Compliments aside, the Commanders are nine-point home favorites over the Giants this week. At 4-6, Washington needs this win to maintain any hope of climbing back into the playoff race. If DeVito's athleticism helps the Giants to pull off an upset, Del Rio and coach Ron Rivera likely will have to start getting their resumes ready.