The Tommy DeVito Era in East Rutherford is over. For now, anyway.
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll named Tyrod Taylor the team’s starting quarterback for the final two games of the regular season, starting this Sunday afternoon against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium.
“I thought Ty did some good things in the second half of Philly so he earned the right to start this game,” Daboll said. “Let’s get ready for the Rams, really have nothing else to add to it. That’s where we’re at.”
Taylor relieved the struggling DeVito after falling behind, 20-3, at halftime against the Eagles in Philadelphia last week. Taylor led a comeback that had the Giants down by one score and the ball with a chance to win in the final minute but fell short.
Still, Daboll was asked his reasoning behind the decision.
“I just thought he did some good things, so he’s earned the opportunity this week,” he said.
Both DeVito and Taylor have handled the changing quarterback assignments with professionalism and understanding all season.
“It’s part of the business,” Taylor said on Wednesday. “Thankful for the opportunity. Looking forward to getting out on the field with the guys this weekend and competing.”
The 34-year-old Taylor is used to being flip-flopped around. He’s been a starter and a backup during his 13-year NFL career in several cities.
“Stay engaged, stay ready,” was his advice to all seeking to play quarterback in this league. “I mean as a quarterback you are literally one play away. Your preparation shouldn’t change, your attitude shouldn’t change. The quarterback is the leader, whether they want to be or not, so a lot of people look towards us during downtimes to see how we respond.
“Obviously, when everything’s up, everyone’s happy, but in down times, you look towards your leaders to see how you respond. So, that would be my message to any young player dealing with it, I’ve been through enough — not enough, I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had a chance to learn from each situation.”
Taylor now enters the final two weeks of the season once again aiming to prove to a QB-needy team out there that he can still assume the role of starter and help carry a franchise.
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