Touch and throw-layering skills are also imperative in the NFL. Not every toss is going to be a bucket throw down the field or a deep out that requires the MPHs to be cranked. On this touchdown against the Commanders in Week 11, DeVito stood calmly in the pocket and lofted a gorgeous ball to Saquon Barkley, up and over the trailing defender that arrived before the deep safety could intercept the pass or jar it loose.
Over time, that throw can be repped into a quarterback’s repertoire. DeVito not only was unafraid to release that football, he did it very early in his NFL career. That indicates he came into that league with the ability to make layered throws like that one. Of course, athleticism has been all the rage at the quarterback spot for a good five-plus seasons at this point. Improvisation. Ad-libbing. Creativity. Splash plays outside of structure. However you want to classify it, those type of mobility-driven plays have become key components to how quarterbacks can beat super complex, fast, modern-day NFL defenses. This scramble against the Commanders provides a glimpse of DeVito’s smooth athletic gifts. Headed to his left, slammed on the breaks, accelerated upfield with the would-be tackler whiffing at air behind him. It also indicates DeVito possesses natural playmaking skills, most of which cannot be
