Brian Daboll finally makes a QB decision based on football reasons

The New York Giants have made their decision: Drew Lock will start against the New Orleans Saints in Week 14. For a team sitting at 2-10 and riddled with off-field drama, this move feels like the first logical, football-focused quarterback decision the franchise has made since releasing Daniel Jones.

Tommy DeVito, who electrified Giants fans last season with a surprising 3-3 run as a starter, was handed the reins after Jones’ release. That move had more to do with his local appeal and popularity than any clear football logic. The second-year undrafted QB out of Syracuse might be a fan favorite, but his conservative style did little to inspire confidence or generate offense. Starting DeVito felt like a transparent play by ownership to keep fans in seats rather than putting the team in the best position to win.

Drew Lock, meanwhile, had been waiting in the wings. The former second-round pick has flashed arm talent and mobility throughout his career but has also been plagued by inconsistency. While Lock was clearly the more talented quarterback on the roster, he was passed over for DeVito in what seemed like a business decision rather than a football one.

The New York Giants will start Drew Lock against the New Orleans Saints

In Week 13, circumstances forced Brian Daboll’s hand. DeVito’s forearm injury kept him out of the Thanksgiving matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, giving Lock his first start since 2023. Lock’s performance was uneven. He threw for 178 yards with no touchdowns and an interception returned for a score, but he showed flashes of promise.

Lock orchestrated a 70-yard touchdown drive to open the game, something the Giants haven’t seen much of this season. He also led the team in rushing with 57 yards, including a score. While his overall stat line was far from spectacular, Lock’s ability to push the ball downfield and extend plays made the offense look less stagnant than it had in weeks.

For a team averaging a league-worst 15.3 points per game, Lock provides a higher ceiling than DeVito. Yes, he’s more turnover-prone, but his aggressiveness gives the Giants a chance to stretch the field and keep defenses honest, something DeVito struggled to do in his lone start since Jones’ departure.

Daboll’s decision to stick with Lock for Week 14 feels refreshingly logical. It’s not about selling tickets or catering to fan sentiment. It’s about trying to win football games and giving the team its best shot, however slim that might be.

While the Giants’ season is effectively over, these final games could determine the future of Daboll’s tenure. Showing the locker room he’s willing to make decisions based on merit and logic, rather than external pressures, is a step in the right direction. For once, the focus seems to be back on football.

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