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AT FIRST GLANCE **
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The Giants began the second half of their season with a 32-18 victory over the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
With the fifth-straight win against Tampa Bay, the Giants improved to 5-4 and held onto their lead in the NFC East race.
WHAT'S NEXT
In the last game before their bye week, the Giants (5-4) host the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots (8-0), who remained unbeaten with a 27-10 victory over the Redskins in Week 9.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE OFFENSE
After throwing an interception that tipped off Odell Beckham Jr.'s hands on the first play of the game, Eli Manning settled into the offense, completing 26-of-40 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns.
With the win, Manning passed Phil Simms for most regular-season victories (95) in team history by a starting quarterback.
Meanwhile, the Giants controlled the clock for 34:55 in Tampa Bay. Beckham recorded his second-straight game -- and fourth of the season -- of 100 yards or more with nine receptions for 105 yards. While he didn't find the end zone, Manning threw his scores to Rueben Randle (five receptions for 40 yards) and running back Shane Vereen (four receptions for 29 yards). With a committee of running backs, the Giants rushed 33 times for 114 yards. Rashad Jennings led the group with 13 carries for 48 yards.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DEFENSE
The Giants both gained and lost a key contributor on the defensive line in Tampa Bay. Two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul returned to play in his first game since suffering serious hand injuries in a July 4 fireworks accident. He played extensively and recorded two solo tackles and two quarterback hits. However, third-year defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, who started all 16 games last season and nine this year, suffered an injury to his pectoral muscle in the Week 9 game against the Buccaneers. He suffered the injury on the first play of the second quarter while forcing a fumble on running back Doug Martin. Linebacker Jasper Brinkley recovered the ball, which led to a Giants touchdown on the ensuing possession and a 17-6 lead at the time. No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston finished 19 of 36 for 247 yards in addition to 24 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. The Giants held Doug Martin, the No. 4 rusher in the NFL entering Sunday, to 31 yards on 11 carries. However, the Buccaneers went on to record 136 yards on the ground.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Josh Brown remained perfect on the season, making all four of his field goal attempts, including a 53-yarder to extend the Giants' lead to 23-18 midway through the fourth quarter. He also made one from 44 yards to put the Giants ahead 26-18 with 23 seconds left in the game. Brad Wing didn't need to punt until the final quarter and booted his first attempt 64 yards that was downed at Tampa Bay's 13-yard line.
INACTIVES
NYG: CB Prince Amukamara, WR Victor Cruz, TE Larry Donnell, LB J.T. Thomas III, DB Leon McFadden, LB Uani 'Unga, OL Bobby Hart. TB: QB Ryan Griffin, S Major Wright, S D.J. Swearinger, DE Jacquies Smith, DE Lawrence Sidbury, WR Vincent Jackson, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
LINEUP CHANGES
Giants.com hands outs their game balls after the Giants top the Bucs
LB Jasper BrinkleyStarting at middle linebacker in place of Jon Beason (injured reserve), Brinkley led the Giants with seven tackles (five solo) and recorded both a forced fumble and a fumble recovery on separate turnovers for the Giants.
DE Jason Pierre-PaulPlaying for the first time since suffering serious hand injuries in a July 4 fireworks accident, the two-time Pro Bowler returned to record two solo tackles and a pair of quarterback hits while seeing extensive action.
QB Eli ManningWith the win, Eli Manning broke Phil Simms' record of most regular-season victories (95) in franchise history for a starting quarterback.
WR Odell Beckham Jr. Beckham led the Giants with nine receptions for 105 yards in the winning effort. It was his second-straight game with at least 100 receiving yards and fourth of the season.
Kicker Josh BrownBrown made all four of his field goal attempts, including a 44-yarder that put the Giants ahead by eight points with 23 seconds remaining in the game.
NYG: Will Tye for Donnell at TE; Jasper Brinkley for 'Unga at MLB; Jonathan Casillas for Thomas at WLB. TB: Donteea Dye for Jackson at WR; Luke Stocker for Seferian-Jenkins at TE; Howard Jones for Smith at DE.
GAME CAPTAINS
LG Justin Pugh, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and DT Cullen Jenkins along with season captains QB Eli Manning and LS Zak DeOssie.
GIANTS INJURY REPORT
DT Johnathan Hankins (pectoral)
