Tommy DeVito will be facing off against an old college foe on Sunday, and one that has proven a young third-string quarterback can make his way up the ranks.
DeVito and Sam Howell faced off once in a Syracuse-North Carolina game on Sept. 12, 2020, that left the Giants quarterback wanting more in a 31-6 blowout loss for Syracuse.
DeVito threw for 112 yards without a touchdown, while Howell tallied 295 yards for one touchdown and two interceptions.
The two will face off again at FedEx Field where Howell is fighting to keep the Commanders (4-6) in playoff contention in his second year in the league.
“Not too much because just kind of focused on what we’re doing here. … We don’t even have that much time to watch anyone else,” DeVito said with a laugh after Thursday’s practice when asked if he has watched Howell’s progression.
“Last time I played him, COVID year I think it was. Kind of sucks that we lost, but I’m happy for him,” he added. “I know he’s been playing well, to be able to go in and try to have a chance to make it to the playoffs for his team.”
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Sunday’s game against the Commanders will be DeVito’s second consecutive start after taking over for Tyrod Taylor when he suffered a rib injury against the Jets and again for Daniel Jones when he tore his ACL in the first half against the Raiders.
Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said Washington will be a “tough challenge” for his defense, saying Howell has made a marked improvement since early in his career.
Howell had appeared in just one game in his rookie year after he was drafted in the fifth round (144th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft as a third-string option behind Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke.
“I think Sam’s playing a lot better,” he said. “Moving the ball quicker. I think he’s starting to find the answers that Eric [Bieniemy] has in his offense.”
Against the Giants earlier this season, Howell threw for 249 yards, going 22-for-42, no touchdowns, one interception and was sacked six times.
Brian Robinson Jr. scored the only touchdown in the 14-7 loss. Since then, Howell has accumulated 1,034 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions against the Eagles, Patriots, and Seahawks.
