Leading into Sunday’s matchup between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders, we heard all about Sam Howell’s struggles to get the ball out on time. He’d suffered an NFL-leading 47 sacks this season and is on pace to set a new record coming into today’s action. But the Giants have had plenty of protection problems too, and undrafted rookie QB Tommy DeVito was making just his second career start.
In the end, the Giants got the last laugh, but the Commanders’ pass-rushers had their fair share of fun too, sacking DeVito a total of nine times in 36 dropbacks. It was the most times a QB has been sacked in a win this season. The previous high was six sacks taken, accomplished by Bryce Young, Russell Wilson, and Howell. Comparatively, Howell has also been sacked nine times in a game this season, but it came in a 37-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 3.
It all started going awry in the first quarter, where DeVito somehow kept peeling himself off the turf despite taking five first-quarter sacks.
Related: Philadelphia Eagles release 51-year-old player from roster in wild NFL tale
But give the 25-year-old first-year pro some credit, as he did improve quite a bit over the rest of the game, where he took just four more sacks in the remaining three quarters. Not a great rate, but still, it’s an improvement.
DeVito may be under fire in the NFL, and some might point the blame at the Giants’ offensive line, who had allowed an NFL-high 54 sacks coming into the game. Yet, while this is DeVito’s first season in the NFL, he’s well-versed to pressure.
Back in 2019, when DeVito was a sophomore in college at Syracuse, he took 44 sacks, which led all other quarterbacks in college football.
While DeVito may be bruised and battered by the morning, at least he has his first career NFL win to show for it, plus a likely game ball from coach Brian Daboll after an inspired performance. A week after finishing with negative one passing yard, DeVito put forth a respectable line, completing 18-of-26 passes for 246 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Next up will be a battle against former Giants defensive coordinator Bill Belichick, with the New England Patriots paying a visit to MetLife Stadium. Yet, the Patriots average just 1.8 sacks per game, which is the third-fewest in the NFL coming into Sunday’s Week 11 action.
Related: See where Tommy DeVito lands in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings