The New York Giants host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, completing an action-packed bye week for Big Blue.
Of course, the Giants made a change at quarterback, benching Daniel Jones and starting third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito in place of Drew Lock, who was signed in the offseason and spent the entire season as QB2. Ta.
The Giants are currently on a five-game losing streak and have yet to win at home this season.
The Bucks have lost four straight and are looking to end their losing streak on their own.
Lost in the hype of the quarterback change is the fact that the Giants will once again welcome back wide receiver Sterling Shepard in a Buccaneers uniform.
There are three reasons to be optimistic heading into Week 12.
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debitomania
New Jersey native Tommy DeVito arrived last year and provided some much-needed buzz in a lost season. He hopes to play a similar role again and create a “spark” starting in Week 12.
DeVito has been familiar with the offense since last season, which was a big reason head coach Brian Daboll decided to rely on him going forward. He’s going to come in motivated and the fan base will be alive and well behind him.
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Favorable matchup for Tyrone Tracy
Rookie running back Tyron Tracy Jr. has provided a much-needed boost to the Giants’ backfield this season, especially as the team looks to move forward, filling the void left by the departure of Saquon Barkley. Seems like a great piece to build on.
Tracy leads all rookies in rushing yards heading into Week 12. He will likely be eager to get back on the field after how the Giants’ last game before the bye week ended.
The Bucs have the fifth-highest yards per carry in the NFL. The Giants would be wise to give them a ton of running game, not just because the Bucs allowed 4.8 yards per carry, but also because it would allow DeVito to ease back into his role as the starting QB.
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buccaneers defense
In the first week under coach Tommy DeVito, the Bucks’ defense presents a favorable matchup for the Giants’ offense. The Bucks have played a tough schedule, and while their offense ranks among the top five in the league in scoring, their defense is giving up six points, the most per game.
The Giants are among the worst teams in the league in points per game, so points will be tough to come by in 2024. Hopefully DeVito can lead the offense and get the ball to Giants playmakers Malik Nabors and Tyrone Tracy.
The Giants need to pick up points to have a chance in this game, and Tampa Bay’s defense may present them with an opportunity to do just that.
