The New York Giants continued their season-long struggles with a staggering 30-7 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium. As the losses mount, with the latest dropping their home record to 0-6 and their overall to 2-9, the frustrations within the Giants camp are becoming increasingly palpable.
Quarterback Transition and Performance
Perhaps the most notable storyline leading into the game was the Giants' quarterback situation. Following the release of former starter Daniel Jones earlier in the season, the team's hopes were pinned on Tommy DeVito. DeVito, making his first start, faced a baptism by fire. The rookie showed flashes of potential, completing 21 of 31 passes for 189 yards. He also rushed for 32 yards, contributing to the team’s offensive efforts. However, DeVito's inexperience was evident as he suffered four sacks at the hands of a relentless Buccaneers defense.
Despite DeVito's efforts, the consensus among his teammates is that the quarterback is not the root of the Giants' issues. As wide receiver Malik Nabers candidly noted, "It ain't the quarterback. It was the same outcome when we had [Daniel Jones] at quarterback. Take a look. It ain't the quarterback. ... I don’t know what it is. I know I'm tired of losing."
Buccaneers Dominate on the Ground
For the Buccaneers, who are solidifying their status as legitimate contenders, the victory was a testament to their powerful ground attack. All four of their touchdowns came from running plays, propelling them to an impressive 450 total yards on offense and averaging 7.3 yards per play. This relentless rushing offense exposed the Giants’ defensive shortcomings, leaving players like Dexter Lawrence to admit, "We played soft, and they beat the shit out of us today."
Questioning Effort and Morale
The dejection within the Giants locker room is becoming more evident each week. This game was no exception. Jermaine Eluemunor, voiced what many fans might be thinking after watching another disheartening performance: "I personally don't think everybody is giving 100%." Such a statement raises concerns about the team's morale and the unity required to turn their season around.
Adding to the growing chorus of frustration, Malik Nabers reflected on the struggle of being under-utilized until the game was out of reach. "First, second quarter, I don't get the ball," Nabers said. "Start getting targets at the end. I mean, can't do nothing. Start getting the ball when it's 30-0. What do you want me to do?" His comments highlight both personal and structural inefficiencies that are plaguing the Giants' offense.
The Lone Bright Spot
Despite the crushing defeat, the Giants managed to find the end zone once, scoring their only touchdown late in the fourth quarter. While it did little to alter the outcome, it was a minor consolation for a team desperately seeking any positive momentum as they head deeper into the season.
As the season progresses, the Giants find themselves in a precarious position, struggling to find answers both on and off the field. With each passing game, the search for the solution seems increasingly elusive, leaving fans and players alike yearning for a spark to ignite what has been a disappointingly familiar narrative.