It's not the same.
“Well, just having the opportunity to play last year, I think it was a lot different than it is now,” Tommy DeVito said. “I have one more year. I've been playing in preseason games, practices and actual games, so this time it's a little different.”
This will be DeVito's second appearance, and he suddenly went from being the No. 3 quarterback on the roster to being the Giants' starter in Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.
The cork was finally pulled for Daniel Jones, but it wasn't a surprising development.
Head coach Brian Daboll's selection of DeVito over reserve Drew Lock was not an expected outcome.
“I wouldn't say I was surprised, but I was willing to accept any outcome,” DeVito said. “It's something I've been preparing for since last year. You always say, 'Even if you're the quarterback three, be ready.' Be prepared, you never know. ”
Just like that, DeVito took snaps for the first team during Wednesday's practice, with a large media crowd on the court inside the locker room.
DeVito started six straight games last season as an undrafted rookie, going 3-3, filling in after Jones and Tyrod Taylor were injured.
It's been a whirlwind few months for the Cedar Grove, N.J., native, filled with Italian hand gestures, memes, pizza joint autographs and good football moments.
It was a cute story.
He's currently set to play seven games left for the 2-8 Giants, which is a big chance for him to prove he deserves to be on the roster in 2025.
“Last year was a good story and it was kind of how it went, but all the outside fun and the games were fun. I do,” DeVito said. “Right now I'm focused on football. It's not like I wasn't like that before, but I'm really focused on that, so external things will be put on hold. I've already talked to people around me, people in my inner circle. So we'll be talking very closely to make sure everything is in place for Sunday's show.”
Daboll will likely tweak the offense to highlight DeVito's strengths.
“He has great leadership,” Daboll said. “I think he’s been in the system for a year now and is understanding things even more. He’s done a good job since he’s been here, actually since we got him last year, and I think he’s I'm going to do everything I can to be ready to go.”
DeVito definitely brings a different energy.
Jones is a good athlete, big and strong. DeVito has a Jersey attitude, a sense of belonging.
“They're different personalities, they're different types, they're different mindsets,” wide receiver Darius Slayton said. “He has an attitude and he can be intimidating, so I expect him to play well and I think he will.”
DeVito, 26, values the temperament he brings to the field.
At times, that rubbed off on his teammates last season, but his belief in himself couldn't compensate for his inexperience, which led to negative plays and too many sacks.
This is his second time, and his confidence is still part of who he is.
“Well, I think I bring a certain confidence, energy, product, whatever you want to call it, to the team and the people around me,” DeVito said. “I think I've always had that kind of growth growing up, even when I was younger, so I just bring that energy with me. For me, it's really all about having fun. It's like, this is a child's game. , obviously more money and more stakes? I know, but at the same time, if you don't have fun going out there, you won't play with the same passion. If you're going to do it, you're going to do it. So really, get everyone up and have fun and go out there. I’m just trying to give you energy when you’re there.”
