For Tyrod Taylor, the New York Giants benched Tommy DeVito in the defeat

PHILADELPHIA—With the game tied at 25, the New York Giants benched rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito in favor of Tyrod Taylor to begin the second half of their game at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday.

The Giants managed just 101 total yards and three points in the first half, which served as the catalyst for the shift in strategy. It abruptly ended the DeVito fever, in which the undrafted quarterback rose to prominence as an underdog and fan favorite.

Coach Brian Daboll clarified in his news conference following the game that his approach was to “just try to spark the team. I don’t really have anything else to add. I just did it to spark the team.”

On their first drive of the second half, the Giants (5-10) scored when running back Saquon Barkley received passes from quarterback Taylor on three consecutive plays. Later in the fourth quarter, Taylor also found Darius Slayton on a 69-yard touchdown pass.

The Giants are left with a choice to make:

1. In order to give the young quarterback more game experience and to give his growth top priority, start DeVito.

2. Start the seasoned Taylor to persuade the locker room that winning games should come first in a season that is already lost. For the last two weeks, New York will host the Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams.

Daboll remarked, “I’m just concerned about [Monday] here.” “We’ll talk about that here this week.”

At halftime, Daboll informed DeVito—the undrafted rookie who famously resides at home and who had won three of his first four starts—that the adjustment was being made. He was only informed that their intention was to incite the offense. At the time, the Giants were behind 20-3.

This followed another lackluster offensive display in a defeat to the New Orleans Saints the week before.

“It’s tough. It’s just a constant reminder that it’s a business,” DeVito stated. “They will constantly look for someone, wherever they may be, to take your place.

It is a company at the same time. It’s your responsibility. I honor it. There isn’t any negative emotion present. I was hopeful we would win the game and that Taylor would go out there and ball. That’s all there is to it. That is all there is to it.”

Three weeks earlier, the Giants won their third straight game behind DeVito’s comeback victory against the Green Bay Packers on Monday night football. In his four games, he had thrown seven touchdown passes to just one interception.

Even after six starts, he has still only thrown one interception and seven touchdown passes.

As a competitor, DeVito continued, the benching “hurts.” He was also unclear about what to expect against the Rams next week.

“We’re going to work, watch the film, and do all that,” DeVito stated. “At the end of the day, it’s not me or Tyrod’s decision; it’s the coaches’.”

The ultimate professional, Taylor, concluded Monday afternoon’s play with a 7-of-16 throwing total for 133 yards, a touchdown, and an interception on the game’s last play.

But with him behind center, the offense was able to produce more big plays; at one point, it even moved into position to try a game-tying heave to the end zone with no time left.

Taylor completed four passes of fifteen yards or more, including the 69-yard touchdown pass to Slayton; DeVito averaged just 1.1 air yards per attempt and attempted one ball longer than five air yards in the first half.

After recovering from a rib injury before the Packers game, Taylor was understandably frustrated to not be named the starter; but, his performance on Monday probably made it easier for him to win back the starting job.

“That’s not my decision,” Taylor retorted. “I think I demonstrated that on Monday. My decision is to be prepared when my number is called.” Whether or whether I move forward, I will still be getting ready. I’ve already told you everything. My attitude or mood is not affected by the situation. I am still the same person. Every day, I am the same leader.”

The New Jersey native’s relatability and ascent from the practice squad to the starting lineup had captured the hearts and minds of the community, but the crash on Christmas Day could spell the end of the DeVito magic carpet ride.

However, the last two weeks have not been filled with finger-pointing festivity because, like they have for the most of the season, the Giants have had difficulty finding the end zone.

Don’t tell DeVito if this is how the fairytale concludes.

For me, it’s just work. You never know when a moment is your last, so I try to go out and make the most of every moment when I’m out there,” he added. “I simply go out, and I’ve been trying to enjoy it every single day,” he continued. I simply strive to keep going forward and am grateful for every moment I’ve had.”

Just a week prior, Daboll reaffirmed his commitment to DeVito as his starting quarterback.

“He’s earned it,” Daboll declared on Monday. “I won’t change from week to week.” He deserves it. Although it won’t always be ideal, he deserves to be able to play.”

Reasons for the Seahawks’ coaching change after firing Pete Carroll

The timing of Pete Carroll’s retirement from the Seahawks, according to Andrew Hawkins, presents the franchise with a wide pool of qualified contenders to replace him (1:24)

SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks have made a number of significant moves over the past nine seasons in an effort to reclaim their position as the NFL’s best team after winning Super Bowl XLVIII and almost doing so again the following year. They have included blockbuster trades, high-profile free agent signings, numerous coordinator changes on both sides of the ball, personnel changes, defensive scheme overhauls, and even the departure of franchise quarterback Russell Wilson.

Here are five questions about the move and the Seahawks’ future as they enter the summer. On Wednesday, they made the biggest move possible by announcing that Pete Carroll is leaving as head coach after 14 seasons—the most successful stretch in the team’s history.

Was this entirely unexpected, and if so, why did it happen now?

Carroll stated, “I competed pretty hard to be the coach,” during his press conference following the announcement. I supported their intentions as early as Monday, when he had stated that he intended to stay as the Seahawks’ coach, suggesting that owner Jody Allen made this decision. Allen’s statement offered only a general explanation, stating that it was in the organization’s best interest, but it is evident to observers that the Seahawks have fallen into a mediocrity rut.

The Seahawks have made the playoffs six times since winning the Super Bowl at the end of the 2013 season and almost repeating as champions the following year, but they have never gone past the divisional round. Carroll stated on his radio show earlier this week that the Seahawks are now closer to winning a Super Bowl than they were a year ago, when they also finished 9-8, but there was no clear sign of that vision as Seattle’s offense underperformed and defense regressed. The Seahawks have now finished 25-27 over the previous three seasons, including a wild-card loss that ended their only trip to the playoffs during that time.

What does Carroll’s current future hold?

Carroll, who is 72 years old and still as active as ever, will continue to serve as an adviser for the team, according to Allen’s statement. Carroll hasn’t showed any signs in recent seasons that his love for coaching has diminished.

On the other hand, Carroll might not want to start over with a new team in a new city at this point in his career. Carroll did say that he is not worn out or tired and that he wanted to continue coaching, so it is reasonable to wonder whether he would have an interest in coaching another team if the right opportunity arose.

When asked if he would consider taking up a coaching position again during his news conference, he responded, “Today is about today.”

Carroll stated that while he is unsure of his new responsibilities, he would not be helping general manager John Schneider find a replacement.

Who might be a contender to become the next coach in Seattle?

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will be on the Seahawks’ short list of candidates. Quinn has emerged as a strong candidate in recent seasons as concerns about Carroll’s coaching future have grown. Quinn and Schneider are close, having worked together as defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for the Seahawks in 2009–10 and 2013–14. Quinn also served as coordinator during the team’s two Super Bowl appearances, leading one of the most dominant units in NFL history.

The primary reason the Seahawks are currently looking for a new coach is due to the defense’s gradual slide since that time. Dallas’ defense ranked ninth in yards allowed per play this season (5.0), while Seattle’s defense ranked 25th (5.5).

When the next coach steps in, what will be the first priority?

First up, with Seattle underperforming on both sides of the ball this season, the decision of whether to retain defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron will be made.

Greetings from the NFL offseason

While the Seahawks’ offense ranked 18th in scoring (20.2 PPG) and 21st in yards (322.9 per game), they struggled on third down, which has long been a problem for this team. The defense’s top priority was to improve against the run after finishing 30th in 2022 (150.2 rushing yards allowed per game). However, they regressed after a strong start, finishing one spot lower at 31st (138.4).

It is common for new coaches to like bringing in their own coordinators. Hurtt and Waldron have not shown much success recently, so their odds of sticking around are not good.

What does this signify for Geno Smith, the quarterback?

The next major choice will concern Smith, the Seahawks quarterback who struggled in 2023 and statistically regressed from his Pro Bowl campaign in 2022. Smith also had to cope with injuries and other concerns surrounding him on offense, and he finished 13th in QBR (60).

Drew Lock, the team’s number-two quarterback, is a free agent, and the team is drafting at No. 16 in April. If Smith is on the roster on February 16, his $12.7 million base salary for the following season will be fully guaranteed. That is likely when Schneider and Seattle’s next coach will make their decision regarding Smith’s future.

After 14 seasons, Pete Carroll is no longer the Seahawks’ coach.

The news that Pete Carroll is leaving his position as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks is covered by Adam Schefter.

SEATTLE — Pete Carroll is leaving his position as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks after 14 seasons, 10 postseason trips, and the team’s lone Super Bowl victory.

Carroll will stay with the team in an undisclosed advisory capacity, according to a statement released by team owner Jody Allen on Wednesday. The decision was taken “after thoughtful meetings and careful consideration for the best interest of the franchise.”

At an emotional farewell news conference on Wednesday, Carroll read from a prepared statement stating that he and ownership have “mutually agreed to set a new course.” Carroll added that he “competed pretty hard” to stay as Seattle’s coach and that, in the end, he “went along with their intentions.” Carroll also stated that his remarks following the Seahawks’ season finale that he wanted to stay as coach were “true to the bone.”

“I want to make sure that’s clear because, from most people’s perspectives, things have changed so quickly,” Carroll remarked. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of being a part of this program; it’s been an honor and a thrill.” You’ve seen how much I adore it.”

When asked if he would consider taking a head coaching position elsewhere if the right opportunity presented itself, Carroll replied, “I don’t know,” adding that “today is about today.” Carroll clarified that while the details of his advisor position are still being finalized, it will not involve helping general manager John Schneider find a replacement.

A source told ESPN that Carroll’s assistant coaches have been given freedom to hunt for other employment.

“Pete is the winningest coach in Seahawks history, brought the city its first Super Bowl title, and created a tremendous impact over the past 14 years on the field and in the community,” Allen stated. “His expertise in leadership and building a championship culture will continue as an integral part of our organization moving forward.”

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is one player the Seahawks are reportedly interested in, according to sources who spoke to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Quinn was the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator from 2013 to 2014 in addition to serving as an assistant from 2009 to 2010.

Carroll announced his intention to return as coach for the 2024 season during his postgame news conference on Sunday and in a radio interview on Monday. This led to the shift in his role.

Carroll said, “I told you that I love these guys, and that’s what I would like to be doing to see how far I can go. I plan to be coaching this team,” to Seattle Sports 710 AM. I’m not exhausted. I’m not worn out. None of that is who I am. I have to work harder and support my coaches more. Additionally, there is much space for growth in our coaching, and we must do a better job of it.”

The Seahawks finished their season on Sunday by defeating the Arizona Cardinals, but their 9-8 record prevented them from earning a wild-card berth. They had a 5-2 start that put them in the lead in the NFC West for a short while, but a losing streak in the second half ruined any chance of making the playoffs.

The Seahawks’ only four-game losing streak of the Carroll era occurred during that second half of the season. The Seahawks also suffered their second-worst margin of defeat under Carroll when they lost 37-3 to the Baltimore Ravens in November. The Seahawks have now lost five straight games (including the wild-card round of last season) to the division rival San Francisco 49ers (31-13).

Carroll was hired by the Seahawks in 2010, and he had been with the team for the longest of any head coach—behind Bill Belichick, Mike Tomlin, and John Harbaugh—for the fourth longest period of time. Carroll, who signed a five-year extension in 2020, was under contract with the Seahawks through the 2025 season, making him the oldest head coach in the NFL at 72. Carroll had shown no signs of slowing down.

Presently, the Seahawks lack a clear candidate for head coach; general manager John Schneider, signed through the 2027 draft and brought in with Carroll in 2010, is the only person at the top of the football operations hierarchy.

With a record of 137-89-1 and 10 playoff wins, Carroll leaves as the most successful coach in Seahawks history. His career record of 181-131-1, which includes his head coaching stints with the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, ranks him 13th in NFL history in terms of regular-season and playoff wins. Carroll is one of only three coaches to win both a college national championship and a Super Bowl. The other two coaches are Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer.

Carroll was fired by the Patriots after three seasons, having gone 27-21 with two postseason appearances. The Seahawks were Carroll’s third and by far most successful NFL coaching assignment. He spent one season with the Jets, who went 6-10 in 1994.

Carroll stepped away from football for the 2000 season and changed his coaching style. He then joined USC, where he led the team to nine straight Pac-10 Championships and two national championships.

With the promise of having the last say in personnel decisions—something he had not received in his two prior head coaching stops—the Seahawks enticed him away from USC in 2010; Carroll, who also served as executive vice president of football operations, teamed with Schneider to guide the team through its most successful run in team history, with 10 playoff appearances since 2010 matching the number of times the Seahawks had made it to the postseason in their 34-year history.

The Seahawks destroyed Peyton Manning and the Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII. Malcolm Butler’s last-second interception of Russell Wilson’s pass at the goal line ended the Seahawks’ hopes of winning the Super Bowl again the following season against the Patriots. The Seahawks have qualified for the playoffs six times in the nine seasons since that game, but they have never gone past the divisional round.