The unlikely run came to an end in New Orleans as the New York Giants, led by undrafted rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito, lost 24-6 to the Saints.
DeVito had a single statement regarding his own performance in Week 15 following the defeat:
DeVito’s direct response is quite honest, but the term “average” could also be applied to the entire New Orleans team.
Derek Carr and the Saints played a game without committing any turnovers, but the defense still gave up 24 points, which included three passing touchdowns. The run game and Saquon Barkley were shut down completely. The offensive line for the New York Giants also appeared to return to its early-season form.
Considering that there were playoff hopes at stake, the entire performance was “average,” if not worse.
Tommy DeVito to Stay as Giants QB Brian Daboll, the head coach of the Giants, confirmed that the rookie will remain the starting quarterback in Week 16 when he took the podium ahead of DeVito.
Following the game, Daboll told reporters, “I’d say collectively, just not good enough, pretty much take any area.” He acknowledged the Saints as well.
“Today, nothing was in its proper place,” the Giants head coach said afterwards.
In Week 15, the usually effective DeVito finished 20-of-34. With that completion percentage, there were no touchdowns and only 177 passing yards. In addition, he had seven sacks and a 72.8 passer rating on ESPN.
DeVito stated, “I think the Saints did a pretty good job defensively, especially the D-line.” In addition, he blamed the offensive failures on a lack of “swagger” or “juice,” poor third-down conversions, and poor execution.
DeVito assumed complete accountability for all those matters, including the energy problems.
“It seems like there were moments when we kind of lulled,” the quarterback said. “It just goes with the execution part, but we have to always maintain a high level of energy,”
Weak Giants Passing Attack Led by Darren Waller and Darius Slayton vs. Saints
The only thing the Giants offense had going for it in Week 15—as Daboll himself pointed out—was the quarterback runs. DeVito had gained 36 yards on the ground up to that point.
Tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Darius Slayton led the way through the air.
In his injury-affected comeback, the latter went on to gain 40 yards on four receptions. Slayton had four receptions for sixty-three yards, which was a little better.
The remaining passing attack found it extremely difficult to gain momentum. Barkley added 23 receiving yards, Wan’Dale Robinson had 25, and Isaiah Hodgins and Jalin Hyatt combined for four passes but were held without a catch.
Although the Saints defense wasn’t an easy opponent, the Giants will probably view this game as a learning opportunity overall. Even though it’s only the second game that DeVito has started, this loss could actually be the end of the season in terms of playoff contention.
“We’re all pros,” Daboll said in response to a question concerning the message going ahead. “You prepare for the game. Our job is to get you ready for the next week’s show. Thus, anticipate the chance to play the following week.