The Giants are coming off their bye week and hoping to pick up their third win in four games. A victory won't come easy this week as Joe Judge's squad will be traveling to Tampa Bay to take on the reigning Super Bowl champions on Monday Night Football.
Big Blue has improved significantly on defense over their last three games. Going up against the Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders, the defense surrendered an average of 13 points per game while forcing six total turnovers. The Giants are one of only two teams in the NFL that have registered a takeaway in every one of their games this season.
The Buccaneers are currently on a two-game losing streak after they lost to the Saints in Week 8 and Washington in Week 10, with their bye between the two losses. In last week's defeat to Washington, Tom Brady threw two interceptions while the offense was only able to gain 53 total yards on the ground in the 29-19 loss. Tampa Bay is 2-1 against the NFC East with wins over the Cowboys (Week 1) and Eagles (Week 6).
Here are five storylines to follow in this week's matchup:
Starting the second half strong
From Weeks 4-9, each team the Giants played – other than the Chiefs - was at least .500 at kickoff. Big Blue was able to go 3-3 during this stretch, with wins over the Saints, Panthers and Raiders. With eight games remaining on the schedule, only three of the Giants' opponents currently own a record above .500. One of those matchups comes this week in the Buccaneers (6-3).
The Giants faced off against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers on a Monday night last season and fell, 25-23. After producing a touchdown with 33 seconds left in the game, Daniel Jones couldn't connect with Dion Lewis on the two-point conversion when a Bucs penalty flag was picked up.
"Players did a good job for us on Monday coming back, going through fundamentals, going through some individual technique stuff, getting back and going," Judge said Monday about the team coming back from the bye week. "They came in today very locked in and tuned in. We've got to do a good job as a team to make sure we build up to the game and not come in with a lot of adrenaline and energy and burn out early in the week. It's going to be a solid build up for us this week. In terms of starting fast, it all comes down to just the preparation and, individually, it's the execution when you get to the game itself. To me, it's when that ball is kicked off on Monday night, we've got to be ready to go."
DJ's time to shine
Daniel Jones owns a 64.9 completion percentage - more than two points higher than his previous high-mark of 62.5 percent from last year. However, the young QB has thrown a mere eight touchdowns with two additional rushing scores.
"I think Daniel has done a good job just progressing in his career throughout the course of time," Judge told the media Monday. "Obviously, you've got to learn from mistakes and as he's made mistakes or had plays he wants to have back, you can't go back in a time machine, so you've just got to go ahead and carry it forward and make sure that you don't repeat those mistakes. He's done a good job of that for us."
Tampa Bay ranks 22nd in passing yards and 27th in passing touchdowns allowed this season. In last week's loss, Washington QB Taylor Heinicke completed over 81 percent of his passes for 256 yards and a touchdown, although he got sacked five times. The Bucs will be without starting corner Richard Sherman, who suffered a calf strain during warmups of last week's game.
"We certainly study the personnel and know who it is, know who the matchups are, the guys you're going against, what they're good at and how they play, so we'll factor that in," Jones said about facing the Bucs defense. "I think when you talk about their defense and who they are as a system and as a scheme, they've got guys who can make plays and they play well together as a group, so we'll certainly prepare for that."
Return of Saquon?
Saquon Barkley injured his ankle in Dallas, forcing him to miss the next four games. But he has returned to practice after experiencing a false positive COVID-19 test leading up to the Week 9 matchup against the Raiders.
"We're very encouraged he'll be out here today for both of our sessions," Judge said Wednesday. "We'll see how he progresses with the team throughout the week of practice. That will obviously give us the answer we need as far as him going to the game. Couldn't give you an answer yes or no right now, but we will be able to have him out at practice with us."
Starting left tackle Andrew Thomas was designated to return to practice Wednesday morning, opening up the 21-day window for the team to activate him. The second-year tackle was playing well prior to hurting his foot against the Rams, as his 76.4 pass block grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 14th among all offensive tackles. It is unclear if he will make it back in time for this week's game.
Tampa Bay's rush defense has been one of the best in the league this season, coming in at No. 2 in rushing yards and No. 5 in rushing touchdowns allowed. While they limited Washington's running backs to just 2.5 yards per carry last week, Antonio Gibson got into the end zone twice. However, the Buccaneers will be without star interior lineman Vita Vea, who suffered a knee injury in last week's loss.
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)
Don't let Brady get going
Tom Brady, 44, is in his 22nd NFL season and leads the league with 318.9 passing yards per game and 27 touchdowns on the season, all while dealing with injuries to several of his playmakers (we'll get to that later). Brady has thrown for 4+ touchdowns in five of nine games this season.
"You get the opportunity to go against a player like Tom, who is obviously one of the greatest of all time, if not the greatest, it makes you do everything you can to prepare and make sure you're giving your guys absolutely the best information possible, the best plan possible," Judge said. "Then, understanding that throughout the game, there's going to have to be a number of adjustments because this guy has seen it all. You're not going to go ahead and throw one thing at this guy and think that's going to work for 60 minutes. As a coach, you've got to look and think ahead and play ahead. That all sounds great, (but) you've got to get in the flow of the game, actually get out there and do it and execute it."
In the Buccaneers' last two contests, both losses, Brady threw an uncharacteristic two interceptions in each game. The future Hall of Famer had just three interceptions over his first seven games, and only one from Weeks 2-7. However, the veteran QB also threw for 595 yards and six touchdown passes in those games while completing 68.9 percent of his passes.
"He's a very, very smart quarterback," James Bradberry told the media. "He has an elite brain, and obviously he uses it well playing against defenses. That's why he's been able to play so long..."
The Giants' pass defense has played well in recent weeks. In the win over the Raiders, the unit held Derek Carr to a 65.2 completion percentage, one touchdown and two interceptions for a passer rating of 72.4. This came just one week after the Big Blue defense contained Patrick Mahomes, limiting the former MVP to a 60.4 completion percentage, 275 yards, one touchdown and one interception for a passer rating of 74.6.
Matching up with Bucs' playmakers
When healthy, Tampa Bay undoubtedly has one of the most talented wide receiver trios in the NFL. Mike Evans ranks second in the NFL with nine receiving touchdowns, while compiling 41 receptions for 606 yards. Evans and Bradberry know each other all too well from the latter's time with the Panthers in the NFC South. During those four seasons, Bradberry registered 201 coverage snaps ined up against Evans. On those plays, Evans caught 30 of 61 targets for 387 yards and one touchdown, while four passes were intercepted, according to ESPN's Mike Clay.
"He's a physical, big receiver, able to use his body well and he attacks the ball," the Giants corner said about Evans. "He has a huge catch radius. I think that's what made it so hard to play against him last year."
Joining Evans are Chris Godwin, the Buccaneers' leading receiver, and Antonio Brown. Godwin has racked up 57 receptions for 717 yards and four touchdowns in nine games; and Brown has caught 29 passes for 418 yards and four touchdowns in just five games. Brown has been dealing with an ankle injury that has kept him out since Week 6, but he could return Monday.
The other notable Tampa Bay playmaker that's been dealing with an injury in recent weeks is all-time great tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronk started his season off incredibly strong, catching two touchdown passes in each of the Bucs' first two games while totaling 12 receptions and 139 yards. But since then, he has only caught four passes for 55 yards while appearing in two games, as he has dealt with both rib and back injuries. O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate round out the TE room, with the two combing for 27 receptions for 256 yards and two touchdowns this season.
The Buccaneers' backfield cannot be ignored, as Leonard Fournette is enjoying a solid season. The fifth-year back has carried the ball just 112 times this year, but has totaled 486 yards (4.3 avg.) and four touchdowns while adding 38 receptions for 284 yards. Behind him is Ronald Jones, who is averaging 4.4 yards per carry on 44 attempts.
"Obviously offensively, they're very, very balanced, they have a very good run game," Judge said about Tampa Bay's offense. "The screen game is also an extension of the run game, it's very effective in terms of keeping the ball moving, staying balanced. They've got explosive weapons all over the field. We all know the quarterback is a great player. They do a great job offensively with not just the explosive plays, but it's just staying balanced, staying ahead of the sticks and scoring points, obviously. There's a reason these guys are top of the league with scoring points and that's really the down in and down out execution."
Tickets for Michael Strahan Ceremony
Limited tickets are available for Michael Strahan's jersey retirement game on November 28th
