


NEW ORLEANS — There is nothing difficult about taking a look at what Tommy DeVito has put on his résumé in the past month and determining that he is a big hit in the Giants locker room.
There are now believers where there once were players who probably did not think a whole lot about an undrafted rookie quarterback whiling away the hours on the practice squad.
When, then, does DeVito think he won over his teammates?
“I don’t know, might be a question for them,’’ DeVito said, masterfully handing the burgeoning attention he is receiving. “Maybe after preseason, after I played a little bit or maybe after I played in a real game. Not sure. Might still be going, some people I might not have yet. I’m still trying to — can’t impress everybody, but you can try.’’
It was another indication that DeVito gets it, not assuming anything, suggesting it is appropriate for others on the team to speak about their confidence in him, rather than espousing his own opinion on when, or if, they do.
There are hurdles everywhere for someone trying to establish a foothold in the NFL.
DeVito is seeking a measure of security with his hometown team, and another imposing challenge arrives Sunday when, riding a three-game winning streak as the starter, he attempts to keep the ball rolling and the Giants’ slim playoff chances breathing against the Saints inside the Superdome.
This is the third road test for DeVito.
He and his team were overmatched in a 49-17 loss at Dallas.
He tossed three touchdown passes and the Italian hand-gesture celebration was born in a 31-19 victory at Washington.
The Saints are 6-7, and just 3-3 in a home venue that used to be their safe haven but anyone who has ever ventured into the belly of Bayou Country knows what an ear-ringing and combustible experience it can be.
The Giants (5-8), currently sitting as the No. 12 seed in the NFC, have a 2 percent chance to make it into the postseason.
The Seahawks, Falcons and Saints are all tied in the NFC South with matching records.
The Rams are also 6-7, as are the Packers, who would be the No. 7 and claim the final NFC wild card spot if the season ended today.
To their credit, the Giants have not hammered home the playoff scenario with great fervor.
They know where they came from (2-8 after 10 games) and know where they are now.
A season that looked lost before Halloween might be found in time for Christmas, if the Giants can extend their winning ways for another week.
That is where DeVito comes in.
He has already surpassed all realistic expectations and perhaps the ride can continue at least a little while longer.
“I just like how he carries himself, very confident, got a good personality and good charisma and guys are getting behind that and having his back,’’ defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence told The Post. “I told him just embrace whatever comes your way now, you’ll probably get a lot of attention, try to embrace it and don’t shy away from it. You’ve earned this and understand that.’’
Tight end Darren Waller — who was activated off injured reserve Saturday and is expected to make his return after missing five games with a strained hamstring — brightened when asked about DeVito.
“He’s all right, isn’t he?’’ Waller, who will be on a snap count Sunday, said with a smile.
“Just keeping an eye on him since April, you kind of watch everybody and you saw some flashes when he first got here. There’s a lot of volume in the offense, but the stuff that was simple to him. Once he got there, it was just, ‘Whoa, he’s got something.’ I think he’s doing a great job. It starts with a calm demeanor and a confidence in yourself. That exudes out and guys in the huddle are going to feed off that, they’re following your lead. He’s very conscious of that and plays freely.
“How could you not be happy for the guy? He’s such a good dude, level-headed, always learning, trying to do things the right way.’’
DeVito doing things the right way — he has five touchdown passes and no interceptions in the three-game winning streak — has already gone on longer than anyone could have anticipated.