Grading the Giants’ 30-10 loss to the Buccaneers on Monday night.
Offense
Bad, bad,bad. The Buccaneers were without several starting defensive backs and their top run-stopper and Daniel Jones and Co. could not make a dent. Only 215 total yards, 54 plays and three points produced on sustained drives. Blech. First of two interceptions thrown by Jones in the third quarter was a panic throw that cannot happen. Saquon Barkley returned but made no impact — 6-25 rushing, 6-31 receiving. Nice creativity on the Kadarius Toney pass out of the Wildcat but it did not fool the Bucs. Terrible execution — too much rushing to the line — on a brutal fourth-and-1 call that resulted in a failed pass. False start on RG Will Hernandez was hurtful on the opening drive. It was a tough outing for Hernandez, who later had a holding penalty (and another one that was declined by the Bucs).
Grade: F
Daniel Jones and the Giants’ offense looked anemic against the Buccaneers’ defense. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Defense
No sacks of Tom Brady, no pressure on Tom Brady, no chance against Tom Brady. This was not exactly an aggressive approach. Bucs set the tone early with such an easy opening touchdown drive. They ended up with 402 total yards and 28 first downs. Was CB James Bradberry a one-hit wonder? He has regressed noticeably from 2020 and he basically hugged Mike Evans in the end zone on a third quarter TD reception. Quincy Roche did not seal the edge on what turned into a Ronald Jones scoring run. TE Rob Gronkowski (6-71) took advantage of his quarterback having so much time to wait for his targets to get open. Work against the run was not bad but the absence of Logan Ryan on the back end was noticeable. Too-quiet game from Leonard Williams.
Grade: F
Special Teams
Riley Dixon put a 52-yard punt down on the Tampa 15-yard line in the second quarter. Dixon ended up with three punts down inside the 20. Graham Gano hit his only field-goal attempt, from 37 yards out.
Grade: B
Coaching
Joe Judge’s tone after this game was far different than after previous losses and he certainly made it sound as if changes will be coming to his offensive staff. He laid the blame for this one on himself and his staff. Jason Garrett’s offense was healthier than it has been all season and yet the results are not there. Not even close. Clearly, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham wanted to keep the ball in front of his guys and force the Bucs to take yards in small chunks. That plan prevented big plays but was not effective. There was no heat on Brady at all. This was wholly unimpressive on every level.
Grade: F
