New York Giants Team Grades vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) waves to a fan during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. New York Giants defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32-18. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants were able to pick up an extremely important victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend. The victory leaves them in first place in the NFC East no matter what happens in the Sunday Night Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, and gets their record over .500 at 5-4. It also ensures the Giants will not face a lengthy losing streak, at least not yet, as they have a very difficult matchup with the New England Patriots next week.

On the field, it was a sloppy affair at times. The weather got worse as the game progressed, and you could see it visibly having an affect on both teams. Both teams were unable to finish drives, as the Giants were almost a part of another record breaking performance. After setting the NFL record for most passing touchdowns in a game with the New Orleans Saints, the Giants and Buccaneers came one field goal away from tying the record for more field goals in a game; they would have tied it had Buccaneers kicker Connor Barth not missed in the first half.

Neither team was able to finish their drives, as there were four field goals kicked from 35-yards or closer. Not exactly what you want when your team is getting close to the end zone, but at least the Giants were able to pull it out at the end.

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It was not a pretty win by any means, as the Giants let an opponent hang around once again despite having control and leading into the fourth quarter. They did their best to lose the game again it seemed, but were able to pull it out in the end with just enough stops and better clock management than they showed earlier in the season.

While it wasn’t the most encouraging of games, the Giants came away with what was important; a victory. It was not all positive though, as they lost defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins to a torn pectoral muscle, most likely ending his season. It was disappointing to lose arguably their most consistent player, as the Giants were just getting healthy along the defensive line.

But injuries happen, as the Giants know all too well. They will have to keep going and try and find players to fill in and replicate that production. We will see how they plan to do that throughout the week as they prepare to take on the Patriots in Week 10.

Before we look at that game, let’s take a look at the game they played with the Buccaneers. Check out our grades for the Giants in their victory over the Bucs.

Next: Passing Offense Grade

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