The New York Giants made waves Monday morning with their decision to bench quarterback Daniel Jones, promoting Tommy DeVito to start Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While the move was anticipated given Jones’ struggles this season, the choice to start DeVito over backup Drew Lock has sparked a lively debate among fans and pundits alike.
people on here mad that devito is gonna ruin the tank BUT YALL WANTED JONES BENCHED MAKE UP YOUR MIND WHAT DO YOU WANT? pic.twitter.com/lEyE1sGixJ
— Aly (Thibodeaux Enthusiast) (@amiablexaly) November 18, 2024
Social media erupted with reactions to the news, ranging from relief over Jones’ demotion to confusion about the team’s decision-making process. Many fans expressed optimism, seeing DeVito’s promotion as a chance to inject fresh energy into a stagnant offense. Others, however, questioned why Lock—signed for $5 million in the offseason—was passed over in favor of a younger, less experienced option.
The Giants gave Drew Lock $5M to be their backup QB. If he isn’t the starter when Daniel Jones is benched, why didn’t you give that $5M to Saquon? John Mara hasn’t slept in seven months!
For more clips from The Lombardi Line, download the@VSiNLive app: https://t.co/64EgiuFCqy pic.twitter.com/l62dVru2ij
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) November 18, 2024
This isn’t DeVito’s first stint in the spotlight. Last year, he stepped in when both Jones and Tyrod Taylor were sidelined, leading the Giants to three straight victories.
Italians in NY getting the news that Tommy DeVito is now the Giants’ starting QB pic.twitter.com/sLIR1eWs9m
— Novig (@novig_app) November 18, 2024
While those wins provided a brief spark, they also cost the team valuable draft positioning, forcing general manager Joe Schoen to attempt a trade-up for a top-tier quarterback prospect. Some are afraid another Devito spark could put the Giants out of range of selecting a quarterback this April.
— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) November 17, 2024
For some fans, DeVito’s promotion feels like déjà vu—a short-term gamble with long-term implications. Meanwhile, Jones’ benching, though widely supported, has also drawn a measure of sympathy. Many acknowledge his hard work and dedication to the franchise, even as his on-field performance failed to meet expectations.
Daniel Jones did everything for this franchise and this is how we repaid him:
• Sacked 208 times in 70 games
• No WR1 until this last final year
• Booed and hated since draft night
• 3 different head coachesGo be great somewhere where they’ll actually treat you right pic.twitter.com/1Nhk9aQ6iQ
— evin (@KayvonOjulari) November 18, 2024
As the Giants prepare for Sunday’s matchup, all eyes will be on DeVito and how he handles this opportunity. Will he reignite hope for the struggling Giants or simply add another layer to an already turbulent season?