Buccaneers: 3 keys for victory against Giants on MNF
By Rob Leeds
Everyone knows the Buccaneers should win the game against the Giants on Monday Night Football, but that prospect becomes more difficult if they don’t focus on these keys.
The Buccaneers need a win in a massive way in Week 11. Losing two games in three weeks (with the bye in the middle) is not the norm for this team, especially on such a weak schedule, and Tampa needs a significant turnaround immediately if they hope to make some noise in the playoffs this season.
Unfortunately, the Giants aren’t the pushover that their schedule suggests. After losing a game to the Washington Football Team, the Bucs have learned that they can’t overlook any games, and Tampa already knew this is the case against the Giants after the past few seasons.
If the Bucs do want to pull out a win in this game, they need to make sure that they focus on the following:
1. Establish the pass
Yes, the football guys will be livid, but the hard-headed approach of setting up Leonard Fournette at the expense of the other offensive weapons is ridiculous. Fournette is a great back that should get the chance to stay in Tampa long-term, but guys like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin need the ball in their hands more.
The Bucs need to pass early and often, and this will actually set up the run in the end.
2. Take chances offensively
The check-down game is also not the answer. The Buccaneer offense is at its best when it pushes the ball down the field, and forcing Brady to make all of his throws within five yards of the line of scrimmage slows the whole unit down.
3. Contain Daniel Jones
Jones isn’t a great passer of the football, but he does have decent legs that allow him to extend plays better than most people would guess. He will try to get outside of the pocket against the Bucs, and there is a chance that he will also get several designed run looks.
Tampa has to be ready, especially when seeing how many opposing quarterbacks have been able to scramble with ease against this team in the past.
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