Tommy DeVito stepped in for the injured Drew Lock late in the first quarter and guided the New York Giants to two scoring drives in the first half, leading to a 14-3 victory over the Detroit Lions in their preseason opener. The game, held at MetLife Stadium under light rain, featured mostly backup players as both head coaches, Dan Campbell of the Lions and Brian Daboll of the Giants, opted not to risk starting players following a series of scuffles during recent joint practices that resulted in $200,000 fines for both teams from the NFL.
Brandon Joseph’s interception of Lock set up a scoring opportunity, leading to a 53-yard field goal by Jake Bates late in the first quarter. Lock, who was 4 of 10 for 17 yards, sustained a hip injury and did not return to play.
DeVito, a local favorite after making the Giants roster as an undrafted free agent last year, contributed to the scoring in the second quarter. He linked up with Eric Gray, a fifth-round draft pick, on a pivotal 24-yard swing pass that propelled a six-play, 91-yard touchdown drive. Gray capped the drive with a remarkable 48-yard run, showcasing agility to break into the open field.
DeVito also connected with Gray for a 13-yard pass and found tight end Tyree Jackson for an 18-yard completion, leading up to Gray’s 1-yard touchdown run. The drive began after rookie Dru Phillips stopped Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld on a 4th-and-1 attempt at the Lions’ 37-yard line.
Sudfeld, who played the first half, finished with 13 completions on 24 attempts for 96 yards and an interception. Hendon Hooker took over in the second half, completing 5 of 9 passes for 36 yards and adding four rushes for 34 yards. Both quarterbacks led drives deep into Giants territory but were halted on downs.
DeVito ended the game with 8 completions on 15 attempts and 92 passing yards, while Gray registered four carries for 52 yards. Free agent Dante Miller contributed with 12 carries for 63 yards. Bates, who previously played in the United Football League, converted a 53-yard field goal but struggled on the following kickoff, allowing the Giants to start their next possession at the New York 40-yard line.