   New York Giants VS Tampa Bay Buccaneers Raymond James Stadium Sunday 1PM Est on FOX |
ETVal from, Big Blue View, Our New York Giants Blog, has agreed to provide us with a New York Giants Scouting Report covering everything Giants from the Offense on through Special Teams. Without any more delay, here it is:
ETVal - Season Overview:
Despite back-to-back playoff appearances, the New York Giants entered this season riddled with question marks. Could Tom Coughlin regain control of the locker room and keep his job? Could they replace Tiki Barber? Could they replace Luke Petitgout? Could rookie coordinator Steve Spagnuolo turn around a porous defense? Could rookie GM Jerry Reese handle the job? The answer to all of those questions has been yes, and it has has resulted in a 10-6 season and third straight playoff appearance. These Giants aren't perfect. Like their quarterback Eli Manning -- and maybe because of him -- they are incredibly talented, but also incredibly inconsistent. Like their coach, they can be tough to figure out but they play hard, are resilient and believe in each other. Here's a breakdown of what Tampa Bay fans can look for from the Giants.
ETVal - Offensive Overview:
The Giants are at their best when their punishing ground game, led by Brandon Jacobs, is effective. If he's healthy, you will also see rookie Ahmad Bradshaw -- a big-play type back -- get some carries and be used as a pass catcher. Eli Manning is inconsistent, but he's at his best when the run sets up play-action and allows him to look for big plays down the field. Plaxico Burress is the primary target. The Giants have a solid offensive line, but will be at a disadvantage if center Shaun O'Hara, hurt against New England, can't go.
ETVal - Defensive Overview:
The Giants defense is really all about the front seven. Led by Osi Uemnyiora, Michael Strahan and Justin Tuck, the Giants lead the league in sacks. They have to get pressure because their secondary is vulnerable, especially if Sam Madison (abdominal strain against the Patriots) isn't able to play.
The Giants also play the run well, so their front isn't just a bunch of pass-rush guys. Linebacker Kawika Mitchell, also hurt against New England, may not play. His replacement, Gerris Wilkinson, was tremendous against New England so that's probably not a huge deal.
ETVal - Special Teams Overview:
Punter Jeff Feagles doesn't get enough credit. He's a terrific directional kicker who allows the Giants to consistently pin teams deep. Placekicker Lawrence Tynes got off to a shaky start, missing two extra points early in the season. He has been solid the past 6-8 weeks, though.
RW McQuarters won't threaten anyone as a punt returner, the Giants do have a pair of big-play kickoff returners in Bradshaw and Domenic Hixon.
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Thanks again Ed, Buc Fans should be up-to-snuff on this weekends Wildcard Playoff opponent in the New York Giants... Be sure to checkout ETVal's Big Blue View, for Giant's Fans perspectives and the (Q & A) I did with Ed.