The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Buccaneers vs Giants: Five game-changing players for Week 4

By Bailey Adams

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 08: Eli Manning
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 08: Eli Manning /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Odell Beckham of the New York Giants completes a four yard touchdown catch against Jalen Mills #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter on September 24, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Odell Beckham of the New York Giants completes a four yard touchdown catch against Jalen Mills #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter on September 24, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Odell Beckham Jr.

In a 34-17 loss to the Vikings, the Bucs allowed 369 passing yards. 173 of those went to Stefon Diggs, Minnesota’s No. 1 receiver. Diggs is a rising star in the league. This week, Tampa Bay is set to see an established star at wide receiver: Odell Beckham Jr. If Tampa Bay can’t contain 2014’s No. 12 overall pick, it might be another long day for the defense. Beckham is definitely going to get a lot of looks from Eli Manning. It will be up to the Bucs to keep those targets from turning into big plays.

One thing is clear: teams aren’t afraid to go after Vernon Hargreaves just yet. He was picked on in last week’s loss, which led to a very forgettable day for the second-year corner. It was especially interesting to see the Vikings attack him, considering Ryan Smith was starting on the other side for the first time. That was, of course, because veteran Brent Grimes missed the game with a lat issue. Tampa Bay desperately needs Grimes back this week. It seems likely that he will play, which sets up a big matchup between him and OBJ.

Beckham is coming off injury issues of his own, but appeared to be back to full strength in week three’s loss to the Eagles. He caught nine passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns. One of the scarier things about the Giants is that they have other solid options aside from him. Veteran Brandon Marshall is still finding his footing with New York, but can be dangerous. Sterling Shepard leads the team in receiving yards. So, if Beckham is stopped on Sunday, there’s still work to do for the Buccaneer secondary. But if Grimes and co. can keep him from having a big day, Tampa Bay will have a much better chance of pulling out a win.

Home/Bucs News