New York Giants vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, Fla. — In one week, the Giants were tasked with becoming experts on all things Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as knowledge is power when it comes to winning and losing on Sundays.

And so?

“They got a really good team,’’ guard Justin Pugh said. “They’re young and they’re hungry, and as they go they’re just flying around making plays. That’s a dangerous team to play against.’’

If the improving Bu cs are indeed young and hungry, how are we to describe the Giants?

“That’s for you guys to characterize,’’ defensive end Robert Ayers said. “I’m not in the business of labeling myself or labeling this team. However our description is at the end of the season, we’ll let you all do that.’’

Offensive Game Plan

If ever there was a game for James Winston to break out statistically, this might be it.

Last week, Saints quarterback Drew Brens picked apart the Giants pass defense with laughable ease, completing 39 of his 50 passes for 505 yards and seven scores and tying the NFL record for touchdown passes in a single game in the process.

_{Defensive Game Plan}

As much as Winston has to be salivating over his match up against New York’s pass defense after the Giants' performance last week, Tampa Bay’s defensive back knows they will have their own hands full against Eli Manning and the Big Blue air attack this week.

Manning had an impressive day of his own in last week’s shootout loss to the Saints, throwing for 350 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions. Unsurprisingly, Odell Beck ham Jr. was the biggest beneficiary of Manning’s huge day, hauling in eight passes for 130 yards and three scores.

Key Match ups and Players to Watch

Odell Beck ham vs. John than Banks

Banks is easily Tampa Bay’s best cover man, so look for the Bu cs to do everything they can to keep him matched up with Beck ham, who is coming off his best performance of the season so far.

He may be just 5'11", but Beck ham plays with the physicality of a much bigger receiver, which will put Banks’ size and length advantage to the test. If Banks can win at the line of scrimmage with his long arms and disrupt Beckham’s release and timing, it will go a long way toward helping Tampa Bay’s pass rush get after Manning.