Buccaneers game grades: 2017 Week 4 vs New York Giants

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 01: Nick Folk #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is mobbed by teammates after kicking the game-winning 34-yard field goal as time expires in a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs defeated the Giants 25-23. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 01: Nick Folk #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is mobbed by teammates after kicking the game-winning 34-yard field goal as time expires in a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs defeated the Giants 25-23. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 01: Evan Smith #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts as he leaves the field after a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs defeated the Giants 25-23. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 01: Evan Smith #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts as he leaves the field after a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs defeated the Giants 25-23. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

OFFENSIVE LINE

We only really talk about the Buccaneers offensive line when they cause problems. Such is the case this week, which is why we’re going to combine this slide with the defensive line’s.

Simply put, the offensive line did a good job. Ali Marpet continues to have the occasional misfire as he continues to settle into his center position. This should get better with time though, and he’s talented enough to make it happen.

The Giants did end up with a sack, but it was a coverage sack. We don’t hold those against the linemen.

GRADE: B

Must Read: What We Saw on the Giants Film

DEFENSIVE LINE

In the first drive of the game, the Buccaneers defensive line showed they came to win with two tackles for loss leading to a quick three-and-out.

Gerald McCoy started off his afternoon with two tackles for a loss himself in the first quarter, and made multiple strong plays in the first half.

The front-line didn’t come away with any sacks this week, and this marks the second straight week they’ve gone sack-less.

This obviously isn’t good, especially when you consider they face arguably the best quarterback to ever play next week in Tom Brady.

However, Eli Manning never got fully into a rhythm, and even when he got his team the momentum in the game you could sense it wasn’t for good.

The Giants running game did just about nothing before rookie Wayne Gallman entered the game following an injury to starter Paul Perkins.

Gallman is the talented running back who came into the NFL from Clemson, and sparked the rushing attack gaining 42-yards on 11 carries.

Must Read: Review of Buccaneers' Weeks 2 and 3

They didn’t finish firing as fast as they started, this much was easy to see.

At the end of the day though, the Buccaneers pulled out the victory, and the defensive line did just enough to allow their team to win the game.

GRADE: C+

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