The Giants suffered a tough loss in Week 7, falling to the Philadelphia Eagles, 22-21, on Thursday Night Football. The defense played well for about 55 minutes, allowing just one Eagles touchdown, before surrendering two touchdowns in the final few minutes.
The Giants (1-6) remain just 1.5 games behind the Eagles for the lead in the NFC East. However, a difficult challenge lies ahead as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to MetLife Stadium for a Monday night showdown.
The Bucs are coming off a strong 45-20 win over Raiders in Las Vegas last week. Tom Brady threw for 369 yards and four touchdowns while running for another touchdown, and may be playing some of his best football in recent years. Tampa Bay has won five of its last six games heading into this contest.
Here are five storylines to follow heading into the matchup.
Can DJ get the offense moving?
Daniel Jones enters Week 8 averaging just over 200 passing yards per game with five touchdowns and seven interceptions. But not all of that can be put on the shoulders of the second-year quarterback. Of the Giants' first seven opponents this season, six rank within the Top 8 in the NFL in fewest passing yards allowed, with Dallas coming in at No. 12. On top of that, five of the seven teams the Giants have faced rank within the top half of the league in interceptions.
After going four straight weeks without a passing touchdown, Jones has picked up his production over the last two games. He is averaging about 150 passing yards per game with three total touchdown passes over the last two weeks, but has excelled in the running game. Jones has led the team in rushing in two consecutive outings, with performances of 74 yards on seven rushes (10.6 yards per carry) and 94 yards on four carries (23.0 yards per carry). He currently ranks third among NFL quarterbacks in rushing yards this year, trailing only Kyler Murray and Lamar Jackson.
"We have to continue to look at ourselves," Jones said after last week's loss. "We have to be critical of ourselves and improve every week. I think we've done that. I think the team that is playing now is a much different team than the one that started the season. We haven't gotten the results as consistently as we expect. We have to keep improving and keep pushing it forward. Keep progressing as a team. I think that has to be our mindset. It's the only way we are going to get better. I'm confident we have the guys to do it. We just have to stay at it."
Tampa Bay's pass defense ranks ninth in passing yards allowed (225.3 yards), eighth in passing touchdowns allowed (nine) and second in interceptions (nine). However, the unit is coming off a game in which Raiders quarterback Derek Carr completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. He ran twice for 19 yards.
Establishing the run
The Giants were struggling to get consistent production from their running backs following the season-ending injury to Saquon Barkley in Week 2. Then, Devonta Freeman was able to step up in Weeks 5-6, gaining 60+ yards in back to back games. During last week's game in Philadelphia, Freeman injured his ankle, limiting him to just eight yards on three carries. It was Freeman's lowest yardage total since joining the Giants.
Freeman began the practice week off to the side with trainers on Tuesday, putting his status against the Bucs up in the air. If the veteran is unable to suit up, Wayne Gallman likely would become the primary back. Following Freeman's injury last week, Gallman picked up 10 carries and was able to gain 34 yards and a touchdown while adding five receptions for 20 yards. Gallman has had several spot starts throughout his four-year career with the Giants, including last year against Washington in which he turned 24 total touches into 118 yards and two touchdowns.
"For me and my situation, I just come in and try to do my best when my number is called," Gallman told reporters earlier this week. "I just have to stay ready. That's really the big thing with me, staying ready staying locked into the game. Not trying to make it too big, but just sometimes, take the base hit and see what happens. Just playing smart."
The Buccaneers have the NFL's top rushing defense, allowing 66 yards per game and just 3.0 yards per carry. Tampa Bay has only allowed five rushing touchdowns, the second-lowest in the league. Over the last three weeks, the unit has held Josh Jacobs (10 carries for 17 yards), Aaron Jones (10 carries for 15 yards), and David Montgomery (10 carries for 29 yards) in check.
Slowing down the G.O.A.T.
The Giants need no introduction to Tom Brady. Several players and coaches have plenty of close experience with the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Head coach Joe Judge spent eight seasons with Brady in New England, while defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and quarterbacks coach Jerry Schuplinski were with him for seven years apiece. In addition, Cameron Fleming spent four years protecting Brady, Dion Lewis caught passes from him for three seasons while Nate Ebner went up against him at practice every day for eight seasons.
After a slow start, Brady has picked up his game over the last few weeks. The 43-year-old quarterback has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15-to-1 over the last five games, including three games with at least three passing touchdowns. Brady has also averaged 290.8 passing yards per game during that stretch and added a rushing touchdown during last week's win over the Raiders. In that game, Brady enjoyed his strongest performance of the season, completing over 73 percent of his passes for 369 yards and four touchdowns.
"This guy is clearly one of the best to ever play the game. He's playing at a very high level…" Judge said. "He has the guys around him playing at a high level as well. One thing about Tom is he's a very intelligent player. He thinks ahead of the play, he's always looking for answers, he's very proactive in how he sees the game, he understands the personnel on the other side extremely well. He's been in all of the situations, however you slice it up, as many times as you can possibly imagine, whether that's through practice or games. This guy is fluent in football."
The Giants' pass defense is coming off its worst performance of the season. Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns last week while adding another score on the ground. The 359 passing yards were the most the unit has surrendered this year and just the second time the Giants allowed a team to throw for more than 280.
View photos from the all-time series between the Giants and Buccaneers.
Lawrence Taylor forces Tampa Bay Buccaneer QB Steve DeBerg to throw an incomplete pass to prevent a fourth quarter sack on Sunday, Sept. 24, 1984 game at the Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarteback Steve DeBerg (17) fumbles when he is hit by New York Giant George Martin, left, and Lawrence Taylor, right, in the second quarter in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Sept. 23, 1984. The fumble was recovered by the Giants and led to a touchdown.(AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Tampa Bay running back Jimmy DuBose, right, on ground, watches in Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., as the football he just carried for 7 yards and fumbled, bounces away, Oct. 16, 1978. The Giants Ernie Jones (31), recovered the ball on Tampa Bay's 42-yard line. The Giants beat the Bucs, 17-14. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) prepares to take the snap from center during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in East Rutherford on October 7, 1979. The Giants defeated the Buccaneers 17-14. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) turns to handoff during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in East Rutherford on October 7, 1979. The Giants defeated the Buccaneers 17-14. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
Running back Ricky Bell (42) rushes upfield against the New York Giants. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms eyes the bench and raises his hands in victory after he completed a third down pass for a fourth quarter first down that assured the Giants possession of the ball as the clock ran out on their 17-14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Giants Stadium, Sept. 23, 1984. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Gerald Carter loses control of a pass as he is caught between Giants Ted Watts (21) and Elvis Patterson (34) at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 3, 1985. The Bucs lost 22-20 to the New York Giants. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Quarterback Phil Simms of the New York Giants looks to pass in a 21 - 14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 24, 1991. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants Rodney Hampton (27) powers his way past Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hardy Nickerson en route to the Giants second touchdown of the day during the second quarter of their game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 12, 1993. (AP Photo/Mike Derer)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Craig Erickson (7) loses his balance as New York Giants Erik Hamilton applies pressure during the first quarter of their match at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sept. 12, 1993. The Giants downed the visiting Buccaneers 23-7. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Reidel Anthony (85) gets flipped over by New York Giants defenders Phillippi Sparks (22) and Michael Strahan (92) after making a first quarter reception Sunday afternoon Sept. 12, 1999 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Eric Zeier (15) gets grabbed from behind by New York Giants linebacker Ryan Phillips during the Giants 17-13 win Sunday afternoon, Sept. 12, 1999 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Zeier replaced an ineffective Trent Dilfer. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates after pressuring Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Bruce Gradkowski to throw an incomplete pass on a fourth down play during fourth quarter NFL football Sunday, Oct. 29, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Buccaneers, 17-3. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Michael Johnson (20) breaks up a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Kellen Winslow during an NFL football game Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/ Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws as Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Ryan Sims (98) is blocked by Giants Shaun O'Hara during an NFL football game Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) fires a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates an interception during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Sept. 27, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
New York Giants' Antonio Pierce during an NFL football game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs away from Tampa Bay Buccaneers Stylez G. White during an NFL football game Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/ Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants Steve Smith (12) pulls in a pass front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Sabby Piscitelli during an NFL football game Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants wide receiver Sinorice Moss (83) pulls in a fourth quarter touchdown pass in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers corner back Aqib Talib (25) during an NFL football game Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 in Tampa, Fla. The Giants won the game 24-0. (AP Photo/ Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster reacts after making an interception during an NFL wildcard football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith in action during an NFL wildcard football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw is tackled during an NFL wildcard football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) reacts after catching a touchdown pass with teammate Steve Smith (12) during an NFL wildcard football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass during an NFL wildcard football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants punter Jeff Feagles (18) punts as teammate Madison Hedgecock (39) blocks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL wildcard football playoff game Sunday Jan 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning shouts down the line of scrimmage against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL wildcard football playoff game Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Alex Smith (81) is stopped by New York Giants linebacker Gerris Wilkinson during an NFL wildcard football playoff game Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL wildcard football playoff game Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants defensive end David Tollefson (71) knocks down Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia during an NFL wildcard football playoff game Sunday Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates after throwing a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to teammate Amani Toomer during an NFL wild-card football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after throwing a fourth quarter touchdown pass during an NFL wild-card football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla.. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants' Dave Tollefson (71) levels Tampa Bay buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia as he throws a fourth quarter pass during an NFL wild-card football playoff game Sunday Jan 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants' Gary Ruegamer (65) congratulates teammate Amani Toomer (81) after Toomer's touchdown-reception from quarterback Eli Manning during the third quarter of their NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in Tampa, Fla. New York won, 24-14. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster, left, intercepts pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Joey Galloway, right, during the third quarter of their NFL wild-card playoff game on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants runn ing back Brandon Jacobs (27) dives for extra yards on an 11-yard reception from quarterback Eli Manning during the third quarter of their NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in Tampa, Fla. Jacobs scored two touchdowns in a 24-14 win over Tampa Bay. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) throws a third-quarter pass despite the defensive efforts of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Ryan Nece (56), Kevin Carter (93), and Jovan Haye (71) during an NFL wild-card football playoff game Sunday, Jan 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates with teammate Guy Whimper (79) after throwing a fourth quarter touchdown pass during an NFL wild-card football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants' Corey Webster (23), right, runs with an interception intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Joey Galloway (84) during the third quarter of an NFL wild-card football playoff game Sunday Jan 6, 2008, in Tampa, Fla. Blocking for Webster is teammate Gibril Wilson (28). (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara))
New York Giants' Corey Webster (23) celebrates with teammate Aaron Ross (31) after intercepting a Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass in the end zone during the third quarter of an NFL wild-card football playoff game Sunday Jan 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) loses his helmet as he runs into the pile, including Madison Hedgecock (39) during an NFL wild-card football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday Jan 6, 2008, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw celebrates on the bench during the closing seconds of the fourth quarter of their NFL wild-card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants receiver Steve Smith (12) is sent flying by Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Brian Kelly (25), left, and Kalvin Parson (39), right, during the second quarter of an NFL wild-card football playoff game Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) runs away from Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Mark Barron (24) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Linval Joseph (97) hits Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Josh Freeman (5) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) looks to pass away from New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a touchdown catch during a week 2 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday September 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Mark Barron (24) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Jacquain Williams attempts to knock down a pass during a week 2 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday September 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Martellus Bennett (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-34. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano, left, and New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin exchange words at the end of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-34. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, celebrates his touchdown catch with Victor Cruz during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Roy Miller (90) and Mason Foster (59) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) completes a pass in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib (25) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Martellus Bennett (85) runs over Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Brandon McDonald (33) to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 41-34. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scores on a 14-yard touchdown run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the XX quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) scores on a 2-yard touchdown reception in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Cameron Lynch (52) and Giants' Jerell Adams (89) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) outrusn Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Robert McClain (36) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) releases a pass against the New York Giants Oct. 1, 2017 in Tampa, Fla. Tampa won 25 - 23. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL football game in Tampa, Florida, October 1, 2017. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL football game in Tampa, Florida, October 1, 2017. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) slides in the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Cameron Lynch (52) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers won 25-23. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during a NFL football game against the Tampa Bay BuccaneersSunday October 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs for a touchdown during a NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday October 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates with his teammates after a play during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs for a touchdown during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, center, runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Evan Engram, right, leaps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Brent Grimes during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The New York Giants offensive line lines up across the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive line during a week 11 NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. New York won 38-35. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) defends against New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs with the ball as he is pursued by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Javien Elliott (35) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, left, scores a touchdown as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul attempts to tackle him during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) evades Tampa Bay Buccaneers defenders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of the team's NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, second from right, runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, left, looks to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, left, runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) beats Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback M.J. Stewart (36) to the endzone to score during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scores his first NFL touchdown during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) carries the ball after making a reception during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. The Giants won 31-31. (Paul Abell via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scores on a 7-yard touchdown run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scores the game winning touchdown during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2019, file photo, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game, in Tampa, Fla. Surviving in the NFL as a young quarterback means being able to move. That doesn't mean running as well as Lamar Jackson. Gardner Minshew, Kyle Allen and even Daniel Jones are showing that being able to elude pressure is a must to keep throwing the ball. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio, File)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs 7-yards for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) drags Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) goes for a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) gets stopped by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III (28) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scores against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) gets knocked down by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Kevin Minter (51) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) runs a route against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback M.J. Stewart during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) gets tripped up by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Dion Lewis (33)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Sterling Shepard (87)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tyler Johnson (18) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) pushes New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) out of bounds during an NFL game, Monday, Nov. 02, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Buccaneers beat the Giants 25-23. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Dion Lewis (33)
Dion Lewis (33)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 02, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Buccaneers beat the Giants 25-23. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Julian Love (20) and cornerback James Bradberry (24) tackle Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during an NFL game, Monday, Nov. 02, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Buccaneers beat the Giants 25-23. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) dives and reaches for the pylon against Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Jordan Whitehead (33) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, NJ. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) in action past Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (33) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Leonard Williams, right, celebrates after sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Kaden Smith carries the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Leonard Williams, right, sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive tackle Danny Shelton (75) during a week 11 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday November 22nd, 2021 in Tampa, Florida
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) catches a touchdown pass during a week 11 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday November 22nd, 2021 in Tampa, Florida
Reggie Ragland (55)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Raymond Johnson III (91)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Adoree' Jackson (22)
Limiting the pass-catchers
The Giants won't be facing Tampa Bay's full arsenal of offensive weapons. Receiver Chris Godwin had surgery this week to repair a broken finger and is not expected to play while the newly-signed Antonio Brown is not eligible to suit up until Week 9.
Mike Evans, however, has been one of the league's top wideouts for several years. Although an ankle injury has been bothering him all season, the veteran receiver has still managed to reel in six touchdown passes. Scotty Miller has at least 73 receiving yards in four games this season, and came up big against the Raiders (6-109, 1 TD). Finally, let's not forget about veteran tight end Rob Gronkowski, who has picked it up over the last two games, catching five passes in each contest with 140 total yards and two touchdowns.
"I've seen Scotty Miller quite a bit on tape," cornerback James Bradberry told reporters earlier this week. "Athletic, fast guy. He can take the top off a defense, so you definitely have to be on the lookout for him. Very explosive. They also have Mike Evans, Tom Brady, they have a good running back duo in the backfield. They have other pieces to their offense that they can attack you with. You have to be on your Ps and Qs when any of those guys step on the field."
"Great player, obviously, you've seen what he's done," Ebner said of Gronkowski "He's an amazing player. Physical, fast, great hands. He's going to be a handful."
Bradberry has years of experience covering Evans, as the two met twice a year during the former Carolina corner's four seasons in the NFC South.
Stopping Tampa's RB duo
Looking at the stats from the first seven weeks of the season, the Buccaneers' rushing attack may not seem like one of the team's strong suits. Tampa Bay currently ranks 19th in the league with 105.7 rushing per game and 18th in yards per carry (4.1). But sometimes, stats can be a bit deceiving, and such is the case when it comes to the duo of Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette.
Jones is off to the strongest start of his career. The third-year back has ran the ball 110 times for 506 yards (4.6 avg.) and four touchdowns. He struggled against the Raiders (13 carries for 34 yards), but Fournette was able to make up for it. Fournette had not received a carry since Week 3, then pounded the Raiders with 11 carries for 50 yards to go with six receptions for 47 yards. In his best game of the year, Fournette rumbled for 103 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries against Carolina in Week 2.
The Giants' defense is allowing 105 rushing yards allowed per game this season, good for the eighth-best mark in the league, while its 3.7-average ranks fifth. The unit's weakness has been defending running backs in the passing game. Last week, Boston Scott caught three passes for 46 yards and the winning touchdown, while Washington's J.D. McKissic (6 receptions for 43 yards) played a big role in the passing game in Week 6.
View photos of the Buccaneers likely starters ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Giants on Monday Night Football.
HC Bruce Arians
OC Byron Leftwich
DC Todd Bowles
STC Keith Armstrong
QB Tom Brady
RB Leonard Fournette
WR Mike Evans
WR Chris Godwin
TE Rob Gronkowski
TE O.J. Howard
RT Tristan Wirfs
RG Alex Cappa
C Ryan Jensen
LG Ali Marpet
LT Donovan Smith
DL Ndamukong Suh
NT Rakeem Nunez-Roches
DL William Gholston
OLB Jason Pierre-Paul
ILB Devin White
ILB Lavonte David
OLB Shaquil Barrett
CB Pierre Desir
CB Jamel Dean
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
S Jordan Whitehead
P Bradley Pinion
PK Ryan Succop
KO Bradley Pinion
H Bradley Pinion
LS Carson Tinker
KR Jaelon Darden
PR Jaelon Darden
Giants TV Streaming App
Watch exclusive videos with the GiantsTV app for Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV. Also available in the Giants mobile app
