5 Keys to a Giants Victory over Tampa Bay - Week 3

[Dan]

After attending the season opener against the Redskins and watching an ugly win against the Cowboys, I realized there was one thing missing from the Giants. No, I'm not talking about the NY Giants Girl Reby Sky or Plaxico Burress. I am talking about the much discussed inability to score Touchdown's in the "Green-Zone" as Coach Coughlin calls it. (We'll discuss this later) That being said, the Giants have won two division games in the NFC East to start the season including a big win last week aganist the Cowgirls at the stadium opener of the new Dallas Megaplex. Here are the 5 Keys to a Giants Victory against the Tampa Bay Bucaneers this week.

1) Score Touchdowns in at least 66% of the Opportunities in the "Green Zone" Last Season the Giants led the NFL in Red-Zone opportunities. After starting the season with an 0'fer in 8 chances, the red-zone needs to become a happy place for the G-Men. You would think after drafting 6'6 Ramses Barden, the G-Men would AT LEAST HAVE HIM ON THE FIELD for 1 opportunity, but Ramses has no such luck. Maybe a single fade? Gillbride needs to become less predictable with his play calls (stretches & tosses) and become more agressive. Scoring TD's in 66% of the opportunities Sunday will give the NYG offense the confidence it needs and relieve some of the pressure on the defense.

2) Make sure Kevin Boss catches at least 6 passes. Although the Bucs defense is not what it once was after losing Monte Kiffin, defensive guru and Tampa 2 installer, Tampa Bay still has 2 very agressive and physical corners in Aqib Talib and Ronde Barber. Physical bump and run corners may disrupt some of the timing between Eli and Steve Smith and with Mario's lack of size it would be the perfect time for Eli to look for Boss not only in the "Green Zone" but over the middle to soften the defense.

3) Kick The Ball Deep & Hit Gimmies Although i dont have official stats, anyone who has watched the Giants this season should realize that Lawerence Tynes needs to be cut. Does anyone have confidence in this guy? Fine he hit the game winner in Dallas. BUT only after missing a chip shot of 27 yards. I am also growing tired of having kicks bounce at the 10 yard line to watch other teams' Special Teams run the ball to the 35 yard line to start drives. Even I can kick the ball further. Last year John Carney provided stability to the FG game. Even if he couldnt kickoff either I'd rather be 1/2 in the kicking dept. Honestly Tynes has to go.

4) Fight off Complacency I know, I know, it's the NFL anything can happen. Anyone can win. Believe me I understand the notion that teams need to say this to be politically correct. If you have been to this site before, you know that doesn't mean squadoosh. The Giants should beat Tampa convincingly if they just show up. Tampa has already lost to Dallas and Buffalo and although there has been a resurgance from Cadillac they don't have many offensive weapons. The Giants should be motivated by the following: Desire to slow former teammate Derrick Ward, Desire to fix the putrid run-defense after last week, Desire to sack the QB (no sacks last week) and most importantly to Win. I think the Giants will come out on fire this week, question is can they keep it up for 4 quarters?

5) Over 150 yards rushing offense by Bradshaw & Jacobs Last year the Giants led the league in rushing with 32 attemps per game and over 157 ypg. This year, they have 28 attemps per game and 100 ypg. Now while 4 carries doesn't seem significant, it actually is. More running enables the Giants to control the clock, make the play-action pass even more devestating and open up the playbook for places like...."The Green Zone" If i were scripting the first 10 plays this week, I'd have a 7 run to 3 pass beginning. Let the Bucs know early on that they are in for a long day!

Prediction: Giants 33, Bucs' 13

[Julia]

Cowgirls!!!! Aaahh be nice... They all try their hardest out there... It's not their fault the Giants are so kick ass

[Dan]

Check out 5 keys to Jets Victory also