Buccaneers at Giants Takeaways: The FitzMagic is over
By Ryan Doyle
Peyton Barber shines
Perhaps Peyton Barber would be more effective if the Bucs weren’t down by multiple scores in the first half of every ball game.
Despite Tampa falling behind, Barber still had an impressive day. He ran for 106 yards on 18 carries, finding the end zone for the second time this season.
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With Ronald Jones‘ rookie year essentially lost due to injury, Barber is the only running back remaining on the roster that has a legitimate future with Tampa Bay.
Barber’s tough running style will make him a nice compliment with Jones if the Bucs decide to bring Barber back into the fold next season.
Injuries take their toll on the defense
The expectations weren’t high for the banged-up Bucs defense heading into Sunday’s matchup.
Multiple starters were going to be on the bench as injuries impacted every level of the defense.
The replacements all played poorly. The linebacking corps of Adarius Taylor, Riley Bullough and Devante Bond couldn’t get their hands on Saquon Barkley.
Sterling Shephard and Odell Beckham Jr. dominated the Tampa Bay secondary. Without much depth, the talented Giants receivers were able to jumpstart the passing attack.
Eli Manning or Peyton Manning?
Manning threw one incompletion on Sunday. He may not have put up numbers that jump out on the stat sheet, but he was extremely efficient.
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Manning dissected the Bucs defensive backfield for 231 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He knew which players to take advantage of and it worked.