Giants Beat Bucs In JPP’s Return
The New York Giants' defense bent but didn't break, doing enough to minimize Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as New York earned a 32-18 road win in Florida on Sunday.
Jason Pierre-Paul saw his first action of the season, returning from an off-season fireworks accident that cost him a finger. He played with a cast-looking cover on his hand, and while he didn't record a sack, was able to bring steady pressure on Winston in the pocket. Big Blue's defense allowed 249 passing yards and 139 more on the ground, but held Tampa to three-field-goals on three-red-zones drives in the fist half. A failed attempt to lateral the ball on the final play led to a Giants defensive recovery and touchdown on the game's final play.
Eli Manning shook off a pair of interceptions - including one on the first play from scrimmage - to throw for 213 yards and two touchdowns. Odell Beckham Jr. caught nine balls for 105 yards. Rueben Randle and Shane Vereen each had a TD catch in the opening half, helping New York take a 17-9 lead at the break.
Charles Sim and Doug Martin combined to rush for over 100 yards but each lost a fumble for the Bucs (3-5). Winston targeted wide-receiver Mike Evans 19 times, connecting on 8 for 152 yards.
The Giants, 5-4, host the 8-0 Patriots in Week 9.