Notebook: Tommy DeVito set to start vs. Ravens

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Tommy DeVito has a different take on the Giants’ recent results and their occupancy at the bottom of the NFC standings.

“You’re 0-0,” Devito said. “That’s the mentality you have to have.”

That’s true for DeVito more than anyone. He will be the starting quarterback for the second time this season on Sunday, when the Giants host an 8-5 Baltimore Ravens team that showcases what is arguably the NFL’s best offense and is currently the fifth seed in the AFC playoff race.

The depleted, 2-11 Giants have lost eight consecutive games and hope to overcome a spate of injuries to celebrate their first victory in more than two months.

DeVito, who started against Tampa Bay three weeks ago, is not thinking in terms of ending a string of losses but starting a winning streak.

“You’re just worrying about getting in that win column,” DeVito said. “No matter what our record is, all you’re worried about is being 1-0 that week. So, continuing to do that, continuing to put in all the work that we’ve put in all year and even more so every week to come. We’re not getting the results that we wanted. So, just continuing to stay a tight-knit group, believe in each other, don’t point any fingers and just go out there and play for each other.”

But DeVito can’t ignore the reality of a disappointing season.

“It’s tough,” he said. “But you look forward. You can’t worry about the past too much. You learn from it, but after Monday when you watch the film, you flush it and you’re on to next week.”

The Giants have had a job share arrangement at quarterback since returning from their bye. DeVito hurt his throwing forearm against the Buccaneers and was unable to face the Cowboys four days later in Dallas. Drew Lock started two games but hurt his heel and left elbow last week vs. New Orleans and spent most of this week in a boot. So, coach Brian Daboll went back to DeVito.

“You always got to be ready for whatever happens,” DeVito said. “Obviously, it’s been a little bit of a crazy situation this whole year with everything that’s gone on. There’s almost no surprises at this point. You just got to stay ready. Whoever’s out there, whatever number is going to be out there and ready to be called, we’re going to go out there and support them. Right now, it’s me. So, I’m going to go out there and play for everybody in the locker room.”

DeVito knows as well as anyone that long-term stability can be difficult to establish at his position. As a rookie in 2023, he started six consecutive games after Daniel Jones tore his ACL, winning three of them. DeVito was replaced by Tyrod Taylor after halftime of the Giants’ Christmas Day loss in Philadelphia.

“I definitely learned a lot from last year,” DeVito said. “Being ready for any moment for it to happen. Obviously, it’s kind of the same thing as last year, some ups and downs, a little bit of a roller coaster and now it’s coming around again. I just continue to keep my head down and work. But I’m thankful for all the opportunities and I’m just going out to compete for everybody in this locker room, the organization, the fans, everybody. I’m just going out to prove that to myself.”