EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – In the first 44 years of their existence, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished with only 13 winning records and participated in the NFL playoffs 10 times. They lost 16 of 23 games to the Giants, including one that began the latter's epic 2007 postseason run.
But the Bucs team the Giants will host Monday night in MetLife Stadium bears little resemblance to their forerunners – or even to the squad the Giants defeated each of the last two seasons.
Tampa Bay leads the NFC South with a 5-2 record. The Bucs have won five of their last six games, including 38-10 and 45-20 defeats the previous two weeks of Green Bay and Las Vegas, the first time in their history they won back-to-back games by 25 points or more. Since the start of the 2019 season, New England and Baltimore last year are the only other teams to accomplish that feat. Tampa Bay leads the NFL with a plus-80 point differential.
"This is an explosive team really in all three phases of the ball that you have to account for," Giants coach Joe Judge said. "I think coach (Bruce) Arians has done a phenomenal job of bringing in a staff with a lot of continuity, guys that have played for him, guys that have worked for him in the past. It was easy for him to get a quick jump in this program. He's added a lot of dynamic players since he's been there, and he's really gotten these guys rolling this year."
The Bucs are winning with dominant play on both sides of the ball. Their defense is ranked third in yards allowed per game (291.3) and first per play (4.8). Tampa Bay has allowed an NFL-low 66.0 rushing yards a game and 3.0 yards a carry and held the Packers' Aaron Jones to 15 yards on 10 carries and the Raiders' Josh Jacobs to 17 yards on 10 attempts.
The defense is strong from front to back, even with the loss of run-stuffing tackle Vita Vea to a season-ending ankle injury. The Bucs still have Ndamukong Suh and traded with the Jets for veteran Steve McClendon. David Bush and Lavonte David are superb inside linebackers who have combined for 116 tackles. Jason Pierre-Paul leads the team with 5.5 sacks, Bush has 4.0 (3.0 last week) and Shaquil Barrett has 3.0, or one less than he had vs. the Giants last season. Carlton Davis is among the NFL's top cornerbacks and Jordan Whitehead and rookie Antoine Winfield are a terrific safety tandem.
"This defense is really, really good," offensive coordinator Jason Garrett said. "They're stout - great against the run, great affecting the quarterback, great taking the ball away. The way they play leaps off the tape. (Coordinator) Todd Bowles does a heck of a job putting these guys in position to have success. It starts up front. They have really good down guys. Fast, aggressive, playmaking linebackers. They're good in the backend. It all works together. They pressure you a lot of different ways. They win one on one matchups, really across their defense. As rushers, defeating blocks in the run game, making plays in the pass game. There really are not many holes in this defense."
"They have a lot of good players across the board," quarterback Daniel Jones said. "Their scheme and what they're doing from a strategy perspective or a scheme perspective is good, too. But we'll be prepared for it."
The defense must be good if we've gone this far without mentioning that the Buccaneers employ Tom Brady, a six-time Super Bowl winner and arguably the greatest quarterback in history. Brady is playing superbly at age 43. In his first two games with the Bucs, he had three touchdowns and three interceptions. In the five games since, Brady has 15 touchdowns and one interception. Brady has done that over a five-game stretch in just two other seasons in his career, in 2007 and 2010, both years in which he was named NFL MVP.
The difference in the histories of Brady and the Buccaneers is perhaps best exemplified by this: last week, Brady was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for October. It was an NFL-record11th time he has won such an award. But it was the first time a Buccaneers was named an Offensive Player of the Month in the franchise's 45-year history.
Last week against the Raiders, Brady matched his season high with 369 yards, threw for four touchdowns and had no interceptions – his sixth career game (and first since 2014) with four touchdowns, no interceptions, and no sacks. It's just the second time ever a Bucs quarterback has thrown for 350-plus yards and at least four touchdowns without any interceptions (joining Ryan Fitzpatrick in the 2018 opener vs. New Orleans). Brady has done it 11 times in his career, matching Drew Brees for the most ever.
"Tom is getting rid of the ball pretty quickly, making the right decisions," defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said.
He has a talented and deep supporting cast. The line has kept him safe and clean; last week, Brady took just one official hit and the sack-less game kept his season total at eight.
When running back Leonard Fournette missed most of a three-game stretch, third-year pro Ronald Jones stepped in and rushed for more than 100 yards in each of them. The Bucs boast marquee receivers like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin (who won't play tomorrow after undergoing finger surgery), but Scotty Miller - a sixth-round draft choice last year from Bowling Green - leads the team with 365 receiving yards. Tight end O.J. Howard suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury, but the Bucs have plenty of depth at the position with Cameron Brate and Rob Gronkowski. Brady and Gronk last week hooked up for their 92nd touchdown pass (including playoffs). That tied them with the Pro Football Hall of Fame combination from San Francisco of Steve Young and Jerry Rice for the second-most touchdowns by a quarterback-receiver pairing in NFL history. Only Indianapolis' Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison, another Hall of Famer, have more (114).
"These guys are very, very talented, but they're very explosive, and I think that's a thing you have to remember," Judge said. "At all of their positions, whether it's the receiver, the tight end or running back, they're all dangerous receivers. The way they're running the ball right now downhill at teams, they're making a lot of plays. It's really setting up their play action game, which really leads to a lot of their shots. They really complement themselves on offense nicely based on how they set up the play actions with the run game. Then how they're able to just sit back and execute on third down situations and the red area, with Tom hitting his back foot, stepping up and making the throw on time, and those receivers are really playing well for them."
The Giants' last three games against NFC East rivals Dallas, Washington and Philadelphia were decided by a total of five points. Now they face one of the league's elite teams in a prime time. Judge is confident his team will respond favorably to the challenge.
"I've seen a lot of progress with our team all throughout the season," Judge said. "I've said many times, we just need to keep harping on the fundamentals and eliminate the mistakes that kind of hold us back. But I've seen our guys play through a lot of adversity. We've played in different situations on the road, on short weeks, coming off west coast trips. I've seen them respond to a lot of adversity going through, and I haven't seen them blink. That's really a positive sign with what we're building moving forward."
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)
*The Giants and Buccaneers will meet for the fourth year in a row and the fifth time in six seasons. The last three games between the teams were decided by a total of six points. On Sept. 22, 2019, the Giants edged the Bucs in Raymond James Stadium, 32-31. In his first career start, Daniel Jones threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns and ran for two more scores, including the seven-yard game-winner with 1:16 remaining in the game. The previous Nov. 18 in MetLife Stadium, the Giants held a 17-point third-quarter lead before holding on for a 38-35 victory. And on Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Nick Folk kicked a 34-yard field goal as time expired to give the Bucs a 25-23 victory. The Giants lead the regular-season series, 15-7, and won the teams' only postseason game.
*The Giants are 25-42-1 on Monday nights, including 9-12 at home. They lost their season opener to the Pittsburgh Steelers in MetLife, 26-16. This is the first time the Giants are hosting two Monday night games in the same season in the 51-year history of Monday Night Football.
*The Bucs are 11-11 on Monday night.
*One more Brady note. He will make his 25th career appearance on Monday Night Football. He has thrown 49 touchdown passes on Monday nights and can join Hall of Famers Dan Marino (74), and Brett Favre (69), as well as New Orleans' Drew Brees (58), as the only players with 50 touchdown passes on Monday Night Football.
*On Sunday, the Giants added CB Ryan Lewis to the injury report. Lewis is listed as doubtful to play tomorrow night because of a hamstring injury.
*The "Bud Light Giants Gameday" radio pregame show will begin at 6:45 p.m. on WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM and will stream live on Giants.com, the Giants mobile app, and "Giants TV" streaming app.
"Giants Postgame Live" presented by Mercedes-Benz can be heard immediately after the game - also on WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM and streaming on Giants.com, the Giants mobile app, and "Giants TV" streaming app.
