'In the Lab!' DeVito Praises Gray After Giants' Preseason Win

The New York Giants gave their home fans a win on Thursday, escaping the rainy preseason open 14-3 against the visiting Detroit Lions.

For a Giants team that stood up to the Lions throughout joint practices, the win was a satisfying cap on an intense week. Among the victors were running back Eric Gray and quarterback Tommy DeVito , both of whom are fighting for spots on this year’s team – the former for the title of RB2, and the latter for the safety that comes with a stay on the 53-man roster.

Both second-year players fared well on Thursday given the circumstances, but it was Gray who stole the show.

With two touchdowns and the game’s biggest play, it was very much the “Eric Gray Game” as far as preseason contests go. He showed off strong open-field agility and soft hands, necessary for his battle for passing-down snaps with rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr.

After the game, DeVito spoke about what he saw from his partner in the backfield.

“That boy has been in the lab working,” DeVito said. “I mean anytime our backs get to the second level, you usually see me standing back there … They have that ability, and they've all done such a great job.

“But, yeah, Eric especially, to have that screen go and then all of a sudden get up to that second level, make a miss, and I was like, 'this dude better not get caught.' And he did not. He had a tremendous game. I’m looking forward to seeing him roll more.”

Gray was New York’s most productive offensive player and made an impact on the ground and through the air. But DeVito deserves credit, too. The Giants’ run-heavy game plan was never going to lead to much production in the air, and the rain made Thursday’s affair uglier than it had to be. The third-string quarterback completed eight of 15 passes for 92 yards.

He was better than backup quarterback Drew Lock, who started the game and struggled to get anything going. Lock would leave with oblique and hip injuries, thrusting DeVito in sooner than anticipated. Now, he’ll temporarily keep Lock’s seat warm while trying to assert himself as part of New York’s plan under center.

DeVito feels he and Gray entered the preseason with similar experiences.

“Same situation. I think I feel for my rookie class. We all came in together,” DeVito said. “There was a million things thrown at us at once. Especially with him in his situation where he was getting some playing time early, especially on special teams. So there's a lot going on in your head. So to have that one year under your belt, to have ups and downs and everything. That will just make him a better player as well as myself and everybody else, I'm sure, moving forward.

“So I'm sure he was very comfortable going into this game, more than he was last year. I don't want to speak for him. That's how I was, but I assume it's probably similar.”

Related: What Did Giants Learn About Gray, Tracy in Preseason Opener?

Both will look to further entrench themselves in the depth chart on Aug. 17 against the Houston Texans.