On Sunday, the New York Giants will attempt to do something they haven’t done since December 2016 and that’s to win back-to-back games when they take on the (3-6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY—For the first time since September, New York Giants fans have something to be happy about as the team ended their five-game skid with a 27-23 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night.
Now, they will look to win their first home game of the season as they take on the (3-6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Despite being 2-7, the Giants have not given up on their season and are looking to win back-to-back games for the first time since Week 14 & 15 of the 2016 season.
Here’s what they’ll need to do in order to win on Sunday:
1. Don't Get Beat Deep
The Buccaneers offense lives and dies by the big passing play. When quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is connecting on his deep ball to Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson and the rest of the Buccaneers receivers, they’re one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The Bucs currently have the number one ranked passing offense in the league at 361 yards per game.
Evans and Jackson have a combined 24 receptions of 20 yards or more on the season.
So it’s imperative that Janoris Jenkins, B.W. Webb, Landon Collins, and the rest of the secondary to not give up the big play. If the Giants can eliminate the big and quick strikes from the Bucs passing game, Fitzpatrick will turn the ball over.
2. The Odell & Saquon Show
The Giants offense is at their best when the ball is in the hands of Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley.
Against the 49ers, Barkley didn’t break off any 20-yard runs, but he did carry the ball a season 20 times giving the Giants a balanced offensive attack. He also had four receptions for 33 yards.
Beckham converted two of his four receptions into touchdowns on Monday and also drew a key pass interference penalty on the Giants game-winning drive. Eli Manning and Pat Shurmur must call on plays to get the ball into their hands of their two best playmkers, so they can exploit the Buccaneers 25th-ranked defense.
3. Don't Let JPP Ruin the Game
Sunday will also be a homecoming as Jason Pierre-Paul makes his first visit back since being traded in the offseason. JPP is having one of the best seasons of his career as he leads the Buccaneers in sacks with eight.
On Wednesday, JPP was asked what his emotions are returning to face is former team.
“Honestly, I had this game checked off since I left there, so emotions running big. I’m coming, man. I’m bringing the house down”
The offensive line must make sure the highly motivated Pierre-Paul doesn’t not to reacquainted with his former quarterback.
4. Stop O.J. Howard
In addition to having receivers that can beat opponents deep, the Buccaneers also have an emerging star at tight end in O.J. Howard. Howard is third on the Bucs in receptions and receiving yards and has a team high five touchdown receptions.
Last week 49ers tight end George Kittle was unstoppable as he had nice receptions for a game high 83 yards. You can be assured that the Bucs coaching staff saw the 49ers game film repeatedly and saw how easily Kittle was able to get open.
The Giants and in particular, Collins and Alec Ogletree must do a better job of covering the tight end this week.
5. Win the Turnover Battle
In the Giants two wins this season, they’re plus four in turnover differential. If the Giants don’t turn the ball over and force a couple of turnovers on defense, they’ll win the game.
Prediction:
This game as the potential to be a high scoring affair. Although the Giants defense doesn’t generate much of a pass rush, they’ll make more stops than the Bucs defense and the Giants will eke out another close game.
