Tommy DeVito's Mobility Threatens Saints Rushing Defense
Quarterback Tommy DeVito may play for the New York Giants, but on Sunday's he's become a Giant Killer lately! It's more of a reason why the New Orleans defense should be cautious in playing a rookie quarterback for the second straight game. In Week 14, the G-Men's signal-caller was a dual threat on the ground and through the air.
DeVito completed 17/21 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown while posting a 113.9 quarterback rating. He nearly outrushed running back Saquon Barkley with ten carries for 71 yards (7.1 average), which confused the Packers' defense. His mobility is problematic for New Orleans, who surrendered 40 rushing yards on three rushes to Carolina's Bryce Young in last weekend's 28-6 victory.
Dec 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) scrambles with the ball as Green Bay Packers linebacker Kingsley Enagbare (55) defends during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Saints were known for their stingy rushing defense a few seasons ago, but things are different within the front seven. Opposing offenses are averaging 131.5 rushing yards, and the Saints allowed teams 191.3 rushing yards per contest in the recent three contests. Dennis Allen's unit is the fifth-worst rushing defense in the league. The advantage goes to New York, who recorded 209.0 yards of rushing offense last week and could eclipse that mark again at Caesars Superdome.
SAINTS PASSING DEFENSE COULD CAUSE PROBLEMS FROM DEVITO
The caveat is the New Orleans passing defense, one of the best squads in the league, which has given up an average of 157.3 yards in the last three games. Despite missing Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Mayes, the team's performance remains strong, with cornerbacks Paulson Adebo and Issac Yiadom as their bookends.
Dec 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) stares down Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Last week, Tryann Mathieu and the crew held Young to 99 passing yards, and the defensive front sacked him four times. Expect more big defensive plays from the Saints' secondary versus DeVito since QBs have had a 57.28% success rate this season. The Giants are the worst in the NFL, averaging 152.1 passing yards, but slightly better at 173.9 yards on the road.
DeVito and his legs are the wildcard for New York's success in Week 15. However, if Demario Davis, Carl Granderson, Nathan Shepherd, and rookie Bryan Bresee continue to run stunts and twists on the Giants in pass protection, it could open lanes for DeVito to cause damage. Expect a conservative approach to allow the offense to get points on the board before Dennis unleashes his Dawgz on the blitzes this Sunday.
