Mission: New York Giants

The 9-7 Buccaneers open the playoffs against the 10-6 New York Giants. The Bucs hope to win a game for the first time in three weeks, as the Giants hope to avenge a tough loss to the Patriots, with a win against the Bucs. Sure to be a defensive battle, both teams face a recent harsh history in the playoffs. The Bucs haven’t won a playoff game since 2002, and the Giants have lost the last 3 wild card games.

Even though they are 21st in the league in passing yards per game, the Giants have a pretty decent passing game in Eli Manning. This year’s version of Rex Grossman, Eli has had some games of great proportions, but he’s also had some forgettable games. All in all, he has been extremely inconsistent. However, he can be effective at times, drawing comparisons to older brother Peyton. Other times, he looks like his other older brother, Cooper. Their running game is very good, as they are 4th in the league in rush yards per game, averaging 134 yards a game, led by Brandon Jacobs. Manning’s biggest receiving threats are Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, both of them coming off of a good game against the Patriots. The Giants offense is 8th in the league in total first downs, and 3rd in average yards per rushing play. Their defense has plenty to brag about too. They are 1st in the league in sacks, 4th in defensive touchdowns, and 6th in interceptions. The defense has several weapons including Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora and Antonio Pierce. Their leading corner, Sam Madison, is doubtful for Sunday’s game. Pierce is one of 20 players in the league with at least 100 tackles. Strahan is third on the team with 9 sacks, and Umenyiora leads the team with 13.

With everything the Giants boast, the Bucs can boast right back. While not a highly productive offense, the Bucs do have two 1,000 yard passers, one with 2,000 yards. That would be Jeff Garcia, who has the 7th highest passer rating in the league, with a rating of 94.6, and has only 4 interceptions all season. The Bucs are 11th best in the league in rushing yards per game, adding to their passing game. For once, the Bucs have more than just their defense. But then there is the defense. 2nd in the league, 1st in passing yards per game, 2nd in total yards per game, 3rd in points per game. The Bucs defense is in the top 5 in 9 defensive categories, and, along with the passing yards, are 1st in average yards per offensive play allowed. The Bucs are in the top 10 in 13 defensive categories. With a defense led by young Barrett Ruud and veteran Derrick Brooks, the Bucs have 33 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, and 19 fumble recoveries.

Hoping history repeats itself for the Giants, but not the Bucs, the Bucs look to win their first playoff game in 6 years. Facing more of an underdog role, the Bucs are ready to go, having rested their starters for the last two games of the season. The Giants are more beat up, playing their starters in the final game of the season. Hopefully Jon Gruden’s rest over rust theory pays off. After all, it is now one and done.