Buccaneers 2017 season preview: Game predictions
By Zain Ahmed
Week 4: vs New York Giants, 4:05 PM
The Bucs return home to face off against the New York Giants. The Giants defeated the Bucs 32-18 in the previous matchup between the two in the 2015 season. The Giants are coming off a playoff season, reaching the wildcard round with an 11-5 record. However, the Giants were embarrassed by Green Bay and showing no signs of life throughout the game. The Giants had a top-five defense last year, but the offense struggled at times.
The Giants will come out and attempt to air it out because Eli is flooded with weapons now. The additions of Brandon Marshall and rookie TE Evan Engram will definitely make life easier for Eli. The key will be whether or not the offensive line can step up and give New York a running attack. The Giants have always been synonymous with a good ground game, but in 2016 they ranked 29th in the league. The additions on the outside will free up the “box”, but the offensive line must get better.
Jameis has some new weapons so this game could shape up to be a shootout. Even though both teams are strong defensively, both could be better offensively. I believe the Bucs will fall short in this game because the Giants defense will make a stop when needed. The 1972 Dolphins keep their season of perfection in the record books.