The New York Giants will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at MetLife Stadium as Big Blue comes out of an action-filled bye week.
The Giants, of course, made the change at quarterback, benching Daniel Jones and making third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito the starter instead of Drew Lock, who was signed in the offseason and spent the whole season as QB2.
The Giants currently have a five-game losing streak and have yet to have a win at home this season.
The Bucs have a four-game losing streak they are trying to snap themselves.
Lost in the hype of the quarterback change is that the Giants will welcome back wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who will be wearing a Buccaneers uniform.
Here are three reasons for optimism ahead of Week 12.
DeVitomania
Last year, New Jersey native Tommy DeVito came in and provided a much-needed buzz during a lost season. He will once again fill a similar role and hope to create a “spark” beginning in Week 12.
DeVito has familiarity with the offense from last season which was a big reason head coach Brian Daboll decided to turn to him moving forward. He will come in motivated and the fan base will come alive behind him.
Favorable matchup for Tyrone Tracy
Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has provided a much-needed boost in the Giants backfield this season and seems to be a nice piece for the team to build around moving forward, especially filling the vacancy left by the departure of Saquon Barkley.
Tracy leads all rookies in rushing yards heading into Week 12. He is likely antsy to get back on the field after the way the Giants’ last game ended before the bye week.
The Bucs allow the fifth-highest yards per carry in the NFL. The Giants would be wise to give them a heavy dose of the running game — not only because of the Bucs giving up 4.8 yards per carry, but also to help DeVito ease back into the role as the starting quarterback.
Buccaneers defense
The Bucs defense provides a favorable matchup for the Giants offense in the first week under Tommy DeVito. While the Bucs have had a tough schedule and have a top-five scoring offense in the league, their defense also gives up the six-most points per game.
Points have been hard to come by for the Giants in 2024 as they sit as the worst team in the league in terms of points per game. Hopefully, DeVito can lead the offense and get the ball to Giants playmakers, Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy.
The Giants will have to put points on the board if they are going to have a chance in this one and the Tampa Bay defense may present them with an opportunity to do just that.
