Introduction

ARLINGTON, Texas – An age-old adage in the world of football states that when a team has two quarterbacks, they effectively have none. As the New York Giants descend into a seven-game losing streak, this sentiment rings particularly true as they grapple with a potential quarterback controversy between Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock following the release of their long-time starter, Daniel Jones.

The Choice Ahead

As the Giants prepare to face the New Orleans Saints on December 8, head coach Brian Daboll is left with a pivotal choice: who will take the snap? Does it even matter at this juncture?

"We have a few days to go back and watch this game," Daboll remarked after a 27-20 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys, where Lock made his start due to DeVito's injury. "Drew performed some good plays, but costly turnovers—one on a screen and a fumble coming out of the half—cannot happen."

Contrasting Styles of Play

Lock, known for his unpredictable play, and DeVito, who has adapted a more conservative approach, present contrasting styles. Despite being thrust into action, DeVito has impressively avoided interceptions in six of his seven career starts.

Daboll's preferences seem clear: he previously opted for DeVito in critical late-game scenarios, avoiding the chaos that Lock might introduce. This strategy underscores a desire for consistency in an otherwise tumultuous season.

Players' Mindset

Interestingly, it appears that the players themselves might be finding solace in the notion of competition, as a loss like that against the Cowboys, filled with fight, provides a different pain than the 30-7 drubbing from the Buccaneers just a week prior. Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, both under immense pressure, are tasked with determining which quarterback maximizes their chances of avoiding a humiliating 12-game losing streak.

Draft Implications

In a surprising twist, part of the Giants' fan base is reportedly rooting for the team to play the quarterback most likely to lose, thereby securing a top-two draft pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. As it stands, the Giants are projected to snag the number one pick, contingent on upcoming games, particularly with the Jaguars' performance being pivotal.

Player Contributions

Lock, having not participated in full-speed practice since training camp, contributed significantly, throwing for 189 yards and rushing for a touchdown. "I’m not thinking about that right now," Lock said, in response to quarterback duties. "If the opportunity arises again, I will be ready to play better than we did today."

On the other hand, DeVito indicated he might have suited up if the Giants had faced the usual Sunday schedule. "I was proud of how Drew competed," DeVito praised Lock's resilience during the game, highlighting his toughness and ability to score even in a challenging outing.

Remaining Challenges

As the Giants' schedule remains daunting, with the hardest remaining opponents lined up, their chances of securing a win are dwindling. The upcoming encounter against the struggling Saints (4-7) seems to be their best shot at adding to their victory column for the season.

Division Disparity

The disparity between the Giants and the rest of the NFC East has never been more evident. Currently, they hold a bleak record of 0-5 against division rivals, setting the stage for potential franchise history if they cannot secure a win.

Defensive Struggles

Adding to the mix are the recent performances from the Dallas Cowboys; they've delivered resounding performances against the Giants, winning eight straight matchups. The absence of Dak Prescott didn't ease the pain, as Cooper Rush stepped in seamlessly.

However, broader issues loom over the Giants. Schoen’s decision to let go of star players for the sake of building a stronger line has not yielded the desired results. Defensively, they're struggling mightily, leading in the league for the most rushing yards allowed, and without star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, their woes may only worsen.

Conclusion

The upcoming match against the Saints is more than just about the win; it’s about the perception of a franchise desperate to reverse its declining trajectory. It's a haunting question lingering over the Giants: who will be under center, and can they be the catalyst for change in a season dubbed a “lost cause”? As the clock ticks down on the remainder of the season, the Giants’ quest for redemption continues, with every decision carrying immense weight.