In a game that showcased the widening gap between two struggling franchises, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6) trounced the New York Giants (2-9) with a commanding 30-7 victory on Sunday, snapping their four-game losing streak while extending New York’s skid to six games. Quarterback Baker Mayfield led the charge, electrifying with his arm, his legs, and a bit of audacious showmanship, as Tampa Bay reignited their hopes in the NFC South race.
Baker Mayfield turned in one of his most dynamic performances of the season, throwing for 238 yards and rushing for a spectacular 10-yard touchdown that will undoubtedly be replayed all week. The highlight moment came just before halftime when, with Tampa Bay up 16-0, Mayfield scrambled on second-and-goal, avoiding pressure before catapulting himself into the end zone. Giants defenders Cor’Dale Flott and Dru Phillips tried to deny him at the goal line, but Mayfield absorbed the contact, soared over the plane, and celebrated with a mocking rendition of Giants QB Tommy DeVito’s signature celebratory dance.
Mayfield’s antics overshadowed a lackluster debut for DeVito as New York’s new starting quarterback. After the Giants benched and released former starter Daniel Jones earlier this week, the team turned to DeVito, hoping he could recapture some of the magic he showed last season. Instead, DeVito struggled mightily, completing 20 of 35 passes for 189 yards, most of which came in garbage time. The Giants’ NFL-worst offense failed to find any rhythm, managing just three first downs and 45 total yards in the first half.
Tampa Bay delivered a complete performance, dominating in all facets of the game. The offense was relentless, scoring on five of its first six possessions to build a 30-0 lead. The running game, often a weak spot this season, exploded with four rushing touchdowns:
Irving led the rushing attack with 87 yards on the ground and also contributed as a receiver, catching six passes for 64 yards. The return of wide receiver Mike Evans from a hamstring injury gave the Bucs’ offense an additional boost, as Evans hauled in five catches for 68 yards.
Defensively, the Buccaneers smothered the Giants. Tampa Bay held New York to just 245 total yards, much of it in the second half when the game was already decided. The defensive front applied constant pressure, and the secondary limited DeVito’s ability to find open targets.
For the Giants, the loss marked their sixth straight defeat at MetLife Stadium, where they remain winless this season. Head coach Brian Daboll’s decision to hand the reins to DeVito didn’t produce the spark he’d hoped for, and the team’s offensive struggles reached new lows.
The victory puts Tampa Bay back in the playoff conversation, as they move within one game of the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons. The Buccaneers have a favorable matchup next week against the Carolina Panthers (3-8), giving them a chance to climb further in the standings.
Meanwhile, the Giants’ season appears all but lost. With a Thanksgiving matchup against the Dallas Cowboys looming, the team faces the grim prospect of another nationally televised drubbing.
Buccaneers travel to Carolina next Sunday to face the struggling Panthers. Giants head to Dallas for a Thanksgiving Day clash against the NFC East-leading Cowboys.
As the Buccaneers celebrate their return to winning ways, the Giants are left searching for answers in a season that continues to spiral out of control.
