Establishing the run
The Giants were struggling to get consistent production from their running backs following the season-ending injury to Saquon Barkley in Week 2. Then, Devonta Freeman was able to step up in Weeks 5-6, gaining 60+ yards in back to back games. During last week's game in Philadelphia, Freeman injured his ankle, limiting him to just eight yards on three carries. It was Freeman's lowest yardage total since joining the Giants.
Freeman began the practice week off to the side with trainers on Tuesday, putting his status against the Bucs up in the air. If the veteran is unable to suit up, Wayne Gallman likely would become the primary back. Following Freeman's injury last week, Gallman picked up 10 carries and was able to gain 34 yards and a touchdown while adding five receptions for 20 yards. Gallman has had several spot starts throughout his four-year career with the Giants, including last year against Washington in which he turned 24 total touches into 118 yards and two touchdowns.
"For me and my situation, I just come in and try to do my best when my number is called," Gallman told reporters earlier this week. "I just have to stay ready. That's really the big thing with me, staying ready staying locked into the game. Not trying to make it too big, but just sometimes, take the base hit and see what happens. Just playing smart."
The Buccaneers have the NFL's top rushing defense, allowing 66 yards per game and just 3.0 yards per carry. Tampa Bay has only allowed five rushing touchdowns, the second-lowest in the league. Over the last three weeks, the unit has held Josh Jacobs (10 carries for 17 yards), Aaron Jones (10 carries for 15 yards), and David Montgomery (10 carries for 29 yards) in check.
Slowing down the G.O.A.T.
The Giants need no introduction to Tom Brady. Several players and coaches have plenty of close experience with the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Head coach Joe Judge spent eight seasons with Brady in New England, while defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and quarterbacks coach Jerry Schuplinski were with him for seven years apiece. In addition, Cameron Fleming spent four years protecting Brady, Dion Lewis caught passes from him for three seasons while Nate Ebner went up against him at practice every day for eight seasons.
After a slow start, Brady has picked up his game over the last few weeks. The 43-year-old quarterback has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15-to-1 over the last five games, including three games with at least three passing touchdowns. Brady has also averaged 290.8 passing yards per game during that stretch and added a rushing touchdown during last week's win over the Raiders. In that game, Brady enjoyed his strongest performance of the season, completing over 73 percent of his passes for 369 yards and four touchdowns.
"This guy is clearly one of the best to ever play the game. He's playing at a very high level…" Judge said. "He has the guys around him playing at a high level as well. One thing about Tom is he's a very intelligent player. He thinks ahead of the play, he's always looking for answers, he's very proactive in how he sees the game, he understands the personnel on the other side extremely well. He's been in all of the situations, however you slice it up, as many times as you can possibly imagine, whether that's through practice or games. This guy is fluent in football."
The Giants' pass defense is coming off its worst performance of the season. Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns last week while adding another score on the ground. The 359 passing yards were the most the unit has surrendered this year and just the second time the Giants allowed a team to throw for more than 280.
"follow" - Google News
October 29, 2020 at 02:37AM
https://ift.tt/37MVDmw
5 storylines to follow as the Giants welcome the Bucs to MetLife Stadium in Week 8 - Giants.com
"follow" - Google News
https://ift.tt/35pbZ1k
https://ift.tt/35rGyU8
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "5 storylines to follow as the Giants welcome the Bucs to MetLife Stadium in Week 8 - Giants.com"
Post a Comment