E-GIANTS
Dave Klein was the Giants' beat writer for The Star-Ledger from 1961 to 1995.
He is the author of 26 books and he was one of only three sportswriters to have covered all the Super Bowls up until last year. Dave has allowed TEAM GIANTS to reprint some of his articles.

WHERE DOES DE VITO FIT IN THE GIANTS' NEAR FUTURE PLANS?

By Dave Klein
If this current performance by young Tommy DeVito continues, the Giants may have to make some heavy decisions in time for next season.

He is - or was - the third-string quarterback, who had a spot on the practice squad but not much more. But first starter Daniel Jones got hurt, then veteran backup Tyrod Taylor, and then after Jones came back he suffered a torn knee and it out for the year.

And suddenly the kid from Cedar Grove, N.J., undrafted and generally unwanted, was given a chance because, frankly, there was no one else.

So now what? He played well two weeks ago against Las Vegas, but the Giants were beaten by the Raiders. You know, it really wasn't because of him. Last week against the Cowboys was a disaster, but not much of it could have been blamed on DeVito.

And then came yesterday in the nation's capital.

Tommy DeVito, who still lives at home, whose mom still cooks for him and does his laundry and makes his bed, magically turned into a legitimate star. He completed 18 of 26 passes for 246 yards, three touchdowns, didn't throw a single interception and, despite being sacked nine unacceptable times, led the Giants to a 31-19 victory. Not bad for his first NFL start.

He snapped the Giants' three-game losing streak. He showed poise and decorum unusual for a kid who saw extended action the week before against the Raiders but didn't play until Jones and his knee were carried off the field.

"It felt great," he said after carving up the Commanders, despite being sacked nine times. "It was like real football, like when you're a kid [some might say he still is]. When things are going right, it's a lot of fun because it feels like you're just enjoying playing the game of football like when you were a kid,"

Well, Jones and his four-year, $160 million contract won't be back until next season, but Taylor could be ready to play in a week or two. So what does head coach Brian Daboll do? Chances are he won't say a thing, but next week at home against New England it will almost certainly be DeVito who takes the opening snap.

The Giants didn't do their draft positioning any good with the victory. They came into the game with the second overall choice in their vest pocket but now they would draft fifth if it waws tomorrow. And this still doesn't even begin to answer the question just starting to poke its head up through the mushrooms: Would the Giants take a quarterback with a high choice or an offensive tackle?

The question is out there for fans to answer. Go right ahead.

EXTRA POINTS - Second-year edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux had two of the Giants' four sacks (and six takeaways) Sunday and now has 10-1/2 for the season. ... The team waived RB Deon Jackson and OT Joshua Miles and activated TE Tyree Jackson and PK Randy Bullock.

The Giants are now 2-0 against Washington this season and 1-8 against the rest of their schedule. ... Somewhat surprisingly, the visiting Patriots are favored by 3-1/2 points next Sunday, despite their 2-8 record.

davesklein@aol.com

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