Buccaneers vs Giants: Key Plays from 2017 Week 4

The Buccaneers bounced back with a victory over the New York Giants, what key plays propelled them to victory?

Both the Buccaneers and the Giants were both looking to pick up victories after upsetting losses last week. The Bucs were thoroughly outplayed by a Case Keenum led Vikings team. While the Giants lost on a 61-yard field goal by Eagles rookie kicker Jake Elliott.

The Buccaneers went into this game still missing key defensive players but benefitted from the returns of DT Chris Baker, DE Jacquies Smith and most importantly Brent Grimes. Grimes held Odell Beckham Jr. in check for the most part.

Jameis Winston was stellar this week and a major reason as to why the Bucs won. Let’s take a look at the key plays for both teams.

Must Read: Inaugural Game Planks

Jameis Winston to Mike Evans 6-yard TD: 7:47 left in Q1

Look familiar? Jameis hit his favorite target on a fade route and an easy score to go up 7-0. After trading punts with the Giants the first possession, Jameis took advantage of a short field and led the Bucs down the field for a score.

This was a key play because it allowed the Bucs to take the lead and help Jameis get some confidence early on.

Jameis Winston to OJ Howard 58-yard TD: 3:00 left in Q1

After forcing the Giants to turn it over on downs, the Bucs had decent field position. Jameis took advantage yet again. This time finding his rookie tight end OJ Howard wiiiiide open for a 58 yard TD.

This was a key play because it allowed the Bucs to extend their lead to two possessions and build Howard’s confidence.

Eli Manning 14-yd Rushing TD: 3:17 left in Q2

Yep, you read that correctly. Eli Manning took off and scored a rushing touchdown. With that touchdown, the Giants cut the lead to 13-10. Interestingly, Eli Manning became the leader in rushing TDS for the Giants this season with the TD.

This was a key play because the Giants cut the lead to just 3 before halftime.

Eli Manning to Wayne Gallman 4-yard TD: 4:19 left in Q3

After a missed field goal by Folk, the Giants had a short field and made use of it. Marching down the field with newfound RB Wayne Gallman. This was Gallman’s drive from start to finish.

This was a key play because the Giants took their first lead of the game at 17-16 and discovered that Gallman may be their best back.

Jameis to Brate 16-yd TD: 7:41 left in Q4

Following a shanked punt by the Giants, the Bucs yet again had a short field to work with. Jameis would take advantage again. Winston led the Bucs deep into Giants territory before delivering a strike to Brate to regain the lead. However, the two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful as Jameis threw the ball behind Desean Jackson.

This was a key play because it allowed the Bucs to regain the lead and the offense finally broke out of its slump.

Eli to Rhett Ellison 2-yd TD: 3:16 left in Q4

More from The Pewter Plank

• Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
• ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
• Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
• Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
• The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023

Eli led the Giants on the longest scoring drive of the game. Manning hit OBJ for a 40-yard catch to the TB 33. Eli then chewed some clock before hitting Ellison for a TD on third and goal. The two-point conversion by the Giants was also unsuccessful as OBJ was hit with an illegal touching penalty. So, the Bucs would only be down 1, 23-22

This was a key play because the Giants took the lead and put pressure on Jameis.

Jameis to Brate for 26-yd catch: 1:30 left in Q4

Tampa Bay got the ball back with 3 minutes knowing a field goal would win it. Jameis was sharp during the drive leading the Bucs down the field. The Bucs had a critical 3rd on 1 on the Giants 39, Jameis saw Brate had a mismatch and put it where only Brate could catch it. Brate’s 26-yard catch would put the Bucs on the Giants 13 yard line.

This was a key play because it would set up the potential GW FG in very makeable range.

Nick Folk game-winning 34-yd FG: 0:00 left in Q4

After running the clock down all the way down to four seconds, the Bucs put the game on the foot of Nick Folk. Folk had already missed three field goals today, one XP and two 40 yarders. Nick Folk would make the kick as time expired as the ball barely snuck in.

This was the biggest play of the game because it won the game for the Bucs. Folk redeemed himself(kinda) and gained some confidence back as well.

You could argue that if Folk never missed his kicks in the first place it would not have had to come down to a GW FG. However, everyone has off games and Folk made the one that counted the most. Going forward though, Folk must be better, Tampa Bay simply can not afford to leave points on the board against better teams.

More heartbreak for the Giants, as they lost on last-second field goals in back to back weeks. The Giants season looks to be over, but it is too soon to call.

Next: Grades from the Bucs Win Over the Giants

Tampa Bay has a quick turnaround as they face the New England Patriots who are coming off a last-second loss to Carolina. The Bucs will have Doug Martin back and hopefully Kwon Alexander. This is Jameis and the Bucs chance to prove to everyone that they for real.