Coming off their bye week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to put an end to a difficult stretch. In the midst of a 4-game losing streak, the Bucs sit at 4-6 and likely feel as though they are a much better team than their record indicates.
Injuries have been a big part of their story, thus far, but things look to be getting better on that front. Mike Evans should be returning to the team's Week 12 matchup with the New York Giants, providing a huge lift to the offense. Meanwhile, cornerback Jamel Dean has been designated to return from injured reserve.
Things are trending in the right direction for the Bucs to make a late-season push for the playoffs, and many fans woke up Monday morning to what might be seen as more good news.
As the Bucs head into their matchup this week with the Giants, they'll be facing a different quarterback. The Giants made the decision to bench Daniel Jones, but it won't be Drew Lock under center for New York in this one.
Instead, it's Tommy DeVito getting the nod for New York.
While on the surface, this might look like an advantage for the Bucs, I wouldn't go that far, just yet.
Tommy DeVito presents the Bucs with a prototypical trap game opportunity
Bucs fans might be excited to face the 2023 undrafted quarterback out of Syracuse instead of the more-experienced Jones, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Last year, DeVito went 3-3 as a starter behind maybe the worst offensive line in the entire league. He ended up throwing for over 1,100 yards, eight touchdowns and only three picks. DeViito also ran it 36 times for 195 yards and a touchdown.
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This is no slouch the Bucs will be facing, even though this might appear as though the Giants are trying to cash in and tank the season away at this stage. Tampa Bay is, after all, in the middle of a four-game losing streak.
This isn't a team coming in red-hot by any means. And, the Bucs are facing a team having made a big change at the game's most important position. Whether or not you believe DeVito is the better option, New York doesn't have a whole lot left to lose this year and will be playing motivated football, in all likelihood.
This game is going to be in front of Giants fans who have been desperate for a Jones benching. They'll be in a better mood than most occasions. Put all of these factors together and you've got a recipe for a clear trap game for the Bucs.
If Tampa Bay squanders this opportunity and drops to 4-7, that's nearly a death sentence and a hint for fans to start thinking about next year.