The New York Giants' struggles continued at MetLife Stadium on Sunday as they fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a resounding 30-7 loss. This disappointing outcome marks their sixth consecutive defeat at home, leaving them with a dismal 0-6 home record and a 2-9 record overall for the season.
This season has been a tumultuous one for the Giants, including the significant decision to release former starting quarterback Daniel Jones. In his absence, Tommy DeVito stepped in to make his first start as quarterback against the Buccaneers. Despite his best efforts, DeVito's performance was not enough to turn the tide for the Giants.
DeVito completed 21 of 31 passes, accumulating 189 yards in the process. He also showcased some mobility by rushing for 32 yards. However, the game was far from easy for DeVito, who faced consistent pressure from the Buccaneers' defense and was sacked four times. His efforts yielded a single touchdown for the Giants, which came in the fourth quarter.
While DeVito's debut was a central focus, the Giants were outplayed across the board. "We played soft, and they beat the shit out of us today," Giants' defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence candidly summarized the game. His frustration was echoed by wide receiver Malik Nabers, who expressed growing discontent within the team. "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," Nabers lamented.
The Buccaneers, on the other hand, firmly asserted their contender status with this victory. Averaging 7.3 yards per play, Tampa Bay amassed 450 yards on offense, making their dominance undeniably clear. Their ground game was particularly impressive, responsible for all four of their touchdowns, which underscored their well-rounded offensive capabilities.
The Giants' offensive line, struggling to find rhythm, managed a total of 245 yards throughout the game—an inadequate total in the face of the explosive Buccaneers' offense. Giants' offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor hinted at a lack of collective effort, saying, "I personally don't think everybody is giving 100%." This observation points to a deeper issue within the team that goes beyond just the quarterback position.
The lopsided nature of the match brought into stark focus the Giants' ongoing challenges and the growing discontent among players. "First, second quarter, I don't get the ball. 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?" Nabers voiced his frustration as he reflected on the sluggish start and ineffective strategy.
This latest defeat is a stark reminder of the team's struggles and the challenges they face in recapturing competitive form. With the season progressing rapidly, the Giants are running out of time to find solutions to their issues on both ends of the field. For fans, players, and the management, the situation beckons an urgent need for introspection and change.
As the Giants grapple with their current plight, the Buccaneers march on, bolstered by this commanding victory. For the Giants, the key will be finding a way to harness their potential and transform it into performance—a task that will define the remainder of their season.