EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (AP) — Riding a five-game losing streak and coming off a loss in Germany to the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants coach Brian Daboll is considering starting quarterback Daniel Jones.

It’s the first time Daboll has hesitated to play a $160 million quarterback this season, and it comes after Jones’ inconsistent performance in Sunday’s game. 20-17 overtime loss.

If a move were to be made, either Drew Lock or Tommy DeVito would start for the Giants, who have an NFC-worst 2-8 record. DeVito, for whom he played college football Syracuse and Illinois, went 3-3 at QB last year and became a fan favorite nicknamed “Tommy Cutlets”.

Daboll didn’t say Monday that he was making a change, but whenever he was asked about Jones this season, he was quick to say that Jones was his guy.

“We evaluate our team in the bye week, that’s what we do,” Daboll said when asked why his answer was different.

Lock saw action only in a backup role, and DeVito, who led the Giants to a brief winning streak last season, was the third quarterback Sunday.

Daboll, who is under pressure with a second straight losing season all but certain, said he and his coaches will look at schemes, situational play, technique and player performance during their evaluation.

The No. 6 overall pick in 2019, Jones is in the second year of a four-year deal. His best season was in 2022, Daboll’s first year. They led the Giants to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Daboll sidestepped a question about whether Jones’ tilt meant throwing money away.

“Again, what we’re going to do is go back, evaluate the tape and make the decision that we think is best for our team,” he said.

Jones finished 22 of 37 for 190 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in the red zone. That election played a big role in New York falling into the conference cellar.

If the Giants had managed a field goal on either of those drives, they could have won.

Interceptions weren’t the only cause for concern. Jones missed an open Malik Nabers for a first down on third-and-8 from the Carolina 38 on New York’s opening drive. He also failed to see two open receivers on a flea-flicker near midfield in the second quarter with the Giants trailing 10-0.

The Giants have this week off and face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 24 at MetLife Stadium, where New York is winless in five games.

There are seven games left, and Daboll and his staff would likely see better results if they can get Jones and his teammates to improve. Going to Lock or DeVito doesn’t seem like the answer.

what’s up

The running game has gone well over the past three games, save for a Tyrone Tracy fumble in overtime. New York has gained 157, 164 and 167 yards rushing over the past three weeks. If Jones can hit a few more passes and connect with open receivers, the offense will be more efficient.

Which needs help

The giants must appear on time. They played 10 games and scored 22 points in the first quarter. They trailed in seven of 10, led once and tied twice.

Supply

Evan Neal. The No. 7 pick in the 2022 draft returned to right tackle for the first time since last season, when an ankle injury ended his season and required surgery. His rehabilitation was slow and he lost his job to Jermaine Eluemunor. New York moved Eluemunor to left tackle and Neal started.

He played well. No penalties, no jackets allowed. It’s the type of play every tackle wants.

Stock down

Jones. The 27-year-old quarterback can’t continue to be inconsistent. In addition to playing in New York’s 10-point rally to force overtime, he stymied the offense at other times.

injury

None were reported after Sunday’s game.

Key number

3 – Turnovers by Giants, the last a fumble by Tracy on the first play from scrimmage in overtime to set up the game-winning field goal.

Next steps

A healthier Giants team faces the Bucs on November 24th.