The New York Giants’ 2024 season has reached a critical juncture as the team heads into its bye week with a disappointing 2-8 record. Front and center in the introspection will be the quarterback position, where incumbent starter Daniel Jones has struggled mightily in recent weeks. His latest subpar performance in a 20-17 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday has head coach Brian Daboll openly considering a change under center.
“I’d say we got a lot of work to do here in the next few days, in the next week, and we’ll evaluate where we’re at and what we need to do,” Daboll said when asked about the quarterback situation. The non-committal response was a notable shift from the coach’s previous steadfast backing of Jones as the starter.
Jones’ Struggles Continue
Against a Panthers defense that entered the game ranked dead last in the NFL, Jones and the Giants offense were shut out in the first half. The veteran quarterback finished 22-of-37 for just 190 yards with no touchdowns and two costly interceptions. A rushed throw late in the second quarter was tipped by Panthers pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney and intercepted by safety Xavier Woods, killing a promising Giants drive.
Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension last offseason, has now thrown seven interceptions against just eight touchdown passes on the year. He has failed to eclipse 200 passing yards in four of his last five starts. After the loss, the 27-year-old signal caller was blunt in his self-assessment: “Not good enough.”
Lock, DeVito Waiting in the Wings
Waiting behind Jones on the Giants depth chart are Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito. Lock, a former second-round pick of the Denver Broncos, was acquired via trade this offseason to compete for the backup job. The strong-armed passer has starting experience, but accuracy issues plagued him in Denver. Still just 26, Lock might get a look if Jones continues to falter.
DeVito, an undrafted rookie out of Illinois, impressed in training camp and the preseason to earn a roster spot. Though raw, the young quarterback has intriguing dual-threat potential that could add a spark to a sputtering Giants offense. According to a source close to the situation, the coaching staff came away “extremely impressed” with DeVito’s poise and command during practices leading up to the regular season.
Injury Concerns a Factor
Complicating matters for the Giants is the structure of Jones’ contract. Due to an injury guarantee, the team would owe Jones $23 million in 2025 if he were to suffer a serious injury that prevents him from being ready for next season. With the offensive line struggling and Jones’ tendency to use his legs, the risk of an injury is very real. The Giants’ braintrust will have to weigh that financial factor heavily in their decision-making process.
There’s no easy answer. We’ll have to take a hard look at everything – the performance, the contract, the alternatives. It’s on the coaching staff to put this team and these players in the best position to succeed.
– Giants source on the quarterback decision
A change at quarterback midseason is never ideal, but the Giants may feel they have no choice given Jones’ prolonged struggles and the specter of that 2025 injury guarantee. Lock and DeVito will surely relish the opportunity to audition for the starting gig if called upon. For Giants fans, it’s a case of déjà vu, as the franchise again finds itself grappling with uncertainty at the game’s most important position.
With a talented roster struggling to live up to expectations, Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are facing immense pressure to get this decision right. The trajectory of the Giants season – and perhaps the regime’s future – could well hinge on it. The coming bye week will be one full of introspection, evaluation, and likely a few difficult conversations as the Giants chart their path forward at quarterback and beyond.
