Giants HC Brian Daboll explains Tommy DeVito, Tyrod Taylor decision

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll spoke with reporters Tuesday and shared why he's starting undrafted rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito over backup Tyrod Taylor when the 4-8 Giants host the 6-6 Green Bay Packers this coming Monday night. 

"I just thought Tommy earned it," Daboll explained, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN. "Went back, watched all the tape, thought he played two good games. Obviously, there are things we can all work on. Thought he earned the right to play."

With primary starter Daniel Jones and Taylor both sidelined due to injuries, DeVito started New York's last three games and guided Big Blue to two straight victories ahead of the club's bye. The 25-year-old native of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, has appeared in five games this season and has completed 66-of-105 total passes (62.9%) for 697 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. DeVito added 83 rushing yards and a score on 21 carries. 

It was thought as recently as Monday that Daboll could start Taylor against Green Bay since the Giants are mathematically alive in the playoff hunt. As of Tuesday afternoon, the ESPN Football Power Index gave New York a 0.1% chance to qualify for the postseason. 

"I think Tommy has done a good job," Daboll added during his comments. "He's improved in each of the games he's played. I thought he played well the last two games. Made good decisions, was accurate with the football and earned the right to play."

As for Taylor, he hasn't played since he went down with a rib cage injury against the New York Jets in Week 8 on Oct. 29. The 34-year-old is on track to serve as DeVito's backup versus Green Bay barring a setback before Monday evening. 

Jones is out for the rest of the season with the torn ACL he suffered on Nov. 5.

"He’s a pro," Daboll said about Taylor's reaction to learning DeVito is getting the nod against the Packers, according to Jared Schwartz of the New York Post. "Those conversations are never easy, regardless of who it is. But he’s a pro who’s been in this league a long time. Had a good conversation with him. About what you’d expect. He’s a true professional." 

As of Tuesday afternoon, oddschecker listed the Giants as 6.5-point underdogs against the Packers.