The New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to faceoff as both teams look for answers after runs they didn't expect when the season kicked off. For the Bucs, it means finding a game where they play a complete 60 minutes for the first time in what seems like forever.
On the Giants' side, it is all about starting fresh with a new quarterback, but there is always more to opposing teams than we may know.
We spoke to Dan Benton of Giants Wire to get a better idea of the New York Giants. He has the best knowledge of anyone on this unique Giants team who has some players on defense but lots of questions on offense. We searched for some answers and we believe we got some.
With Daniel Jones's departure, what does Tommy DeVito bring to the Giants' offense that Jones didn't?
Nov 8, 2024; Munich, Germany; New York Giants quarterbacks Drew Lock (2) and Tommy DeVito (15) during practice at the FC Bayern Munchen training grounds at Sabener Strasse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Honestly? Very little. There's a reason Tommy DeVito has been QB3 and a healthy scratch for 10 games this season. Head coach Brian Daboll says he's hopeful for a "spark" and maybe DeVito will supply that but it's different than last year. NFL teams have seen the Cutlets Show at this point and have film on him, not to mention this is the first week he's taken snaps with the starters. If there is one difference, perhaps DeVito, with absolutely nothing to lose, will be more inclined to throw 50-50 balls down the field. A few interceptions aren't going to change anything in East Rutherford, so maybe we see a more aggressive offense.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. has been an emerging figure in the fantasy space but how has he opened up the Giants offense?
Nov 10, 2024; Munich, Germany; New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) carries the ball on a 32-yard touchdown run against Carolina Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson (2) in the second half during the 2024 NFL Munich Game at Allianz Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Tracy is a very talented back. He's had some fumbling issues that can be coached out of him but beyond that, there are few negatives to his game. He has great field vision and is a decisive runner who hits the holes hard and gets downhill fast. He has incredible balance and is tough to bring down, and like Saquon Barkley before him, has an explosive element to his game. The added value is that as a converted wide receiver, Tracy has a deep understanding of the route tree, solid hands, and exposes mismatches against linebackers and safeties well. What we've seen from him is just the tip of the iceberg. Tracy is one of the few bright spots for the Giants this season.
Dexter Lawrence is cemented as one of the best defensive players in the NFL, what part of the game does he make the biggest difference in?
Sep 22, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
I would personally argue that Dexter Lawrence is now the best defensive player in the game and he has no weaknesses. He's every bit as dominant against the run and he is rushing the passer. He's remarkably quick for his size, strong as an ox, routinely eats up double- and triple-teams, and somehow still wins. The most telling aspect of Lawrence's dominance is how bad the Giants' defensive line looks when he's out of the game. Buccaneers fans will see it firsthand on Sunday. If Lawrence is on the field, he'll be wrecking the game and ruining the offensive gameplan. Once he gets a breather, Tampa Bay will slice and dice. Treat yourself and hone in on him this week. It really is special to watch.
Who is someone who could surprise the Bucs on offense and defense for the Giants?
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (84) catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter during a game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
Rookie tight end Theo Johnson is finally beginning to come on and show some of that pass-catching ability that had the Giants so hyped coming out of the draft. He's a big-bodied guy who is capable of making acrobatic catches and is tough to bring down. He's still far from his ceiling but you can see it beginning to click now. Similarly, rookies Tyler Nubin (safety) and Andru Phillips (cornerback) are really hitting their stride defensively. They're far from household names at this point but certainly on that trajectory. Neither is afraid of contact and both flash as tacklers in the open field. Most opponents praise them following games.
What is your prediction for the game?
Oct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) jogs on to the field before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
There's just no way the Giants, especially with their locker room crumbling, can keep up with a high-powered offensive like the Buccaneers. Quarterback Baker Mayfield should have a field day throwing at cornerback Deonte Banks, while Big Blue is incapable of stopping the run (outside of Dexter Lawrence). That should allow Tampa Bay to put up quite a few points and offensively, the Giants just aren't built to come from behind. I expect the Bucs to win this one going away. Buccaneers 31, Giants 13.