Giants Look To Stay Unbeaten Against Bucs'

NFL News - September 21st, 2009 - Written by John

Giants at Buccaneers -- There are no excuses for having misconceptions about this Giants team. New York has played in front of the two largest crowds in history on television and in person and by now, it seems everyone has had a chance at to make their assessments.

So when BetUS makes it's initial odds for their visit Tampa Bay, it's a safe-bet to presume they know what they're talking about. The Giants are favored by 7 1/2 points as of Monday, despite being on the road with a payout of minus-110 both ways. The initial over/under is 44 and both teams have shown they can top that if at their best.

First it was the season-opener when the Giants match-up against the Redskins netted the highest rating of an NFL season-opener ever with 25.1 million viewers.

Then, a record crowd witness New York punch the Cowboys in the stomach with a 33-31 in Jerry Jones' Football Cathedral. It was announced that the crowd of 105, 121 was the largest to see a regular season game in the United States before Lawrence Tynes booted a game-winning field goal as time expired.

The Giants have taken commanding lead of the NFC East and now hit a run of three-straight games against struggling teams. The one win between the trio came sort of by default. After all, somebody had to win the Chiefs-Raiders game.

Eli Manning seems to be hitting his stride early, and has only one turnover thus far. He was able to turn Mario Manningham and Steve Smith into superstars last Sunday night against the Cowboys. Both receivers had at least 140 yards receiving and a touchdown.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have played well on offense but have been unable to contain opposing teams. They gave up 34 in a loss to the Cowboys at home and 33 to the Bills this past weekend. Head coach Raheem Morris has been highly critical of defensive end Gaines Adams, whom the Bucs' dished out big money to take him with the fifth overall pick in the 2007.

"We have to hold [Adams] accountable, and it is tough right now," Morris was quoted on Profootballtalk.com. "He is not getting it done. There are no excuses. There are no explanations. Gaines is not getting it done right now."

And what's worse, the site also reports that safety Jermaine Phillips will be sidelined 6-8 weeks after breaking his thumb.

Byron Leftwich hasn't been the problem, throwing for 572 yards and four touchdowns, but if the losing trend continues, might find himself on the outside looking in with rookie Josh Freeman breathing down his neck.

The last time these teams met was in the first round of the 2007 Playoffs - the same tournament that saw the Giants cap an improbable run to the title with a win over unbeaten New England. The Bucs also lost, 17-3, to the G-Men in 2006.

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