Giants analysis: Tommy DeVito's magic runs out in New Orleans, sacked by Saints in loss
NEW ORLEANS − Here's what you need to know about the New York Giants' 24-6 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, and how their faint playoff chances came crashing down inside the Superdome.
The Saints flashed Tommy DeVito's "finger purse" celebration way more than DeVito and the Giants did, and it was pretty obvious they took plenty of pleasure in doing so.
So instead of holding out hope that the momentum gained over the past three weeks behind DeVito's juice as starting quarterback and a resurgent defense would lead to an improbable postseason run, the focus for a fan base shifts back to the future and the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Giants (5-9) could not get much going offensively, settling for a pair of field goals when they got deep enough into New Orleans territory to threaten to score. They were 1-of-12 on third-down conversions, failing to find any of the rhythm that was prevalent during the three-game winning streak.
DeVito could not avoid the defensive pressure the way he did in the Giants' victory over the Green Bay Packers last Monday night as the offensive line was under constant duress. The Saints (7-7) dominated in all of the key moments, clearly having gone to work on everything that went well for DeVito and the offense.
New Orleans sacked DeVito six times and clamped down in the secondary, refusing to allow Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson to make big plays downfield as each had in the Giants' last two wins against New England and Green Bay.
The Saints gave up more than 200 yards rushing last week against Carolina, but certainly sent a message early that Saquon Barkley and the Giants were going to have a more difficult time finding room to run.
Giants TE Darren Waller returns
Darren Waller returned to the field after missing five games with a hamstring injury. He had four catches for 40 yards with a long of 29 yards.
Left guard Justin Pugh (calf) was able to start despite being listed as questionable, while star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (hamstring) saw an increase in his play volume Sunday after returning in the Giants' Monday night victory over the Packers on a pitch count.
The Saints were without two integral starters: star receiver Chris Olave (ankle) and right tackle Ryan Ramczyk (knee).
Saquon Barkley held in check this time
The odds were stacked against the Giants in their last trip here two seasons ago.
They were 0-3 and down 11 points with just over seven minutes to go, fighting a good football team in the Saints and an incredibly raucous atmosphere inside the Superdome that served as a welcome home for the first time since Hurricane Ida.
Barkley refused to let that game get away, and in his biggest performance since tearing his ACL the previous season, he helped the Giants escape with the biggest win of Joe Judge's tenure.
Barkley was an all-purpose weapon. The rushing yardage was a grind - Barkley ran for 52 yards - but his impact in the passing game was undeniable (5 catches, 74 yards, 54-yard TD).
On Sunday, however, Barkley was held to just 14 yards on nine carries. He converted on one fourth down, but wasn't able to break out against the Saints defense.
Up next for Giants
The Giants now head to Philadelphia on Christmas Day (Monday) for a 4:30 p.m. game against the Eagles. It will be the first meeting this season between the NFC East rivals, and they'll meet again in the regular-season finale Jan. 7 at MetLife Stadium
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Giants vs. New Orleans Saints score: Tommy DeVito sacked by Saints
