New York Giants vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Week 9 Q&A with GMENHQ
By David Rumsey
Over the past two weeks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have built two double-digit 4th quarter leads and managed to let both teams come back and at least tie the game. After the Bucs colossal collapse in Washington D.C. two weeks ago, the Bucs barely escaped with an overtime victory in Atlanta last week. At this point, Bucs fans have no idea what to expect out of their team.
Coming to town on Sunday are the 4-4 New York Giants, who are favored by about 2.5 points. The Giants lost to the New Orleans Saints last week in a 52-49 shootout. Its clear that their defense is vulnerable right now, but its also clear that they can put up points on offense. To learn a little bit more about the Bucs’ week 9 opponent, we spoke to Chris Schisler (@Footballman58) of GMENHQ. Find out what he had to say about the Bucs/Giants matchup in this week’s Q&A.
1. After giving up 52 points in New Orleans last week, how do you feel about the Giants’ defense and do you expect improvement or more of the same against the Bucs?
The Giants defense is horrible. Don’t get me wrong, Big Blue is opportunistic but overall the defense lacks talent. The Giants have no pass rush this season. The secondary is problematic partly because of health and partly because of personnel. The Giants are starting two strong safeties. Prince Amukamara has been on the sideline.
The Giants defense has done a great job getting turnovers. That being said they haven’t been dominant at any point this season and they have been dominated a few times. I think Jameis Winston is going to have a big game for the Bucs and it will be another shootout for the Giants.
2. Besides Odell Beckham Jr., who is the biggest threat on the Giants offense?
Well this is a tricky question because it can be anybody on any week. Sometimes Larry Donnell can’t be stopped with his 6’6″ frame. Shane Vereen is the X-factor out of the backfield. Other times it is Rueben Randle. Last week Dwayne Harris had two touchdown receptions. Nobody other than Beckham Jr. is a consistent star but everyone gets their chance to shine because Eli Manning spreads the ball around.
3. Are there any notable injury concerns going into this weekend?
Well the Giants are going to be without Amukamara. They are also going to try to get Jason Pierre-Paul going.
4. Is there a under the radar player on the Giants that the Bucs need to watch out for on Sunday?
Dwayne Harris for sure is somebody you need to keep an eye on. He keeps getting a bigger role in the offense and Manning trusts him. He isn’t just the kick returner anymore. Also keep a look out for Orleans Darkwa, who finally got some big touches in the rematch against the Cowboys two weeks ago. Darkwa is a young running back with dazzling moves and speed.
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5. What is your prediction for the game?
I think the Giants win a game that could see a lot of points. Give me the Giants 35-28. In a shootout I trust Manning more than Winston. That isn’t a knock on Winston though, he has played surprisingly well this season. Eli is just too good.