Daniel Jones and the NY Giants are double-digit underdogs against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here are some bold predictions for the game
The NY Giants (1-6) led by quarterback Daniel Jones, wide receiver Sterling Shepard, and cornerback James Bradberry look to get back on track and pick up their second win of the season when they host quarterback Tom Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski, wide receiver Mike Evans and the NFC South leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) on Monday night Football at MetLife Stadium.
Last Thursday night, the Giants coughed up a fourth quarter lead, falling to the division-leading Eagles, 22-21, and aim to make up ground in the NFC east by pulling off an upset of the Buccaneers.
Scroll through for a look at four bold predictions for Monday night’s game:
1. Daniel Jones sacked 4+ times
It might be a very long night for Daniel Jones.
Already without Will Hernandez, after the Giants’ left guard tested positive for COVID-19 this week, Jones might not have much time in the pocket against one of the NFL’s premier front-sevens.
Jason Pierre-Paul enters with 5.5 sacks, Shaq Barrett has produced three, Devin White might be the most talented of the bunch, and he has four sacks entering Monday night.
Meanwhile, the Giants’ offensive line has surrendered 10 sacks and 83 pressures through the first seven games.
All this is to say that I wouldn’t be surprised if Jones is sacked at least four times by the Buccaneers’ swarming front-seven.
2. Evan Engram leads the Giants in receiving
Evan Engram has heard his name circulating in trade rumors all week, as well as the criticism stemming from his critical drop with 2:01 remaining against the Eagles that effectively could have sealed a Giants victory in Philadelphia.
Presuming that Engram isn’t traded before Monday, this could be a career game for Engram who will certainly be looking to bounce back. Likewise, the Giants might even use the game against the Buccaneers to showcase him ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline.
The Buccaneers’ defense has been vulnerable against tight ends this season, allowing 29 receptions on 47 targets for 320 yards and three scores, according to CBS Sports. Tight ends are averaging just over 11 yards per reception against Tampa. Engram enters Monday averaging 8.6 yards per reception, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he winds up leading the Giants in receptions and yards this week.
Maybe something like seven catches for 112 and a touchdown?
3. Matt Peart plays more snaps than Cam Fleming
Slowly but surely, the Giants have been working third-round rookie Matt Peart into games, and each week he proves worthy of an extended workload.
According to Pro Football Focus, Peart has played 49 snaps, but this feels like the week that he might play 40-plus.
After starting the season as the Giants’ most consistent offensive linemen, Fleming has come back to earth a bit in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Peart has more than held his own. PFF gives Peart an 80.4 overall grade, including a 90 run-blocking mark.
Don’t be surprised if this is the week Peart establishes himself as the Giants’ right tackle.
4. James Bradberry pulls down a pick-six
It might be a struggle for the Giants’ offense to score on Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers just have too much talent, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is a brilliant play-caller, and the Giants’ offense has struggled to score all season, averaging just 17.4 points per game, the second-fewest in the NFL.
The Giants’ defense might need to put some points on the board to keep this competitive.
James Bradberry is the Giants’ highest-graded defender and one of the most gifted players on the roster, and I think he’ll have a signature performance against Brady and the Buccaneers.
Bradberry already has three interceptions this season, I think he gets his fourth on Monday night and takes it to the house.
Score prediction
The Buccaneers look every bit the part of a favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this February, and seem to be getting more dominant each week.
Meanwhile, the Giants’ faint hopes in the NFC East race were dealt a significant blow in last Thursday night’s loss to the Eagles.
There’s just too much firepower at Brady’s disposal, even with Chris Godwin sidelined. The Giants don’t have anyone on defense to counter Rob Gronkowski, and Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones might be the most formidable rushing attack the Giants have faced all season.
Meanwhile on defense, the BUccaneers have dynamic playmakers at all three levels.
Expect Brady and the Buccaneers to put on a show.