The Tampa Bay Buccaneers turned things around on Sunday as they dominated the New York Giants game after game. The team urgently needed a win and was dominant.
When Mike Evans returned, the offense was firing on all cylinders, the defense was functioning with the pass rush, and even the special teams were on track.
As far as offense goes, I don't think we've seen a more complete game from the unit. Even though Tristan Wirfs was missing, the Giants couldn't put pressure on the Bucs and the rushing attack overwhelmed them. On defense, the pass rush was finally consistent and seeing both Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea have a good game on the same day will be a big step forward.
With that in mind, here are the grades from the Bucs' Week 12 performance.
Quarterbacks
November 24, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) scores a rushing touchdown after scoring a rushing touchdown in the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Degree: A
Baker Mayfield didn't have a passing touchdown, but he did run for one. Most importantly, he didn't turn the ball over and was able to make some big throws when needed to extend drives. He also did an excellent job distributing the ball and even played the role of downfield blocker at times.
Running backs
November 24, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) fights for yards as New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) tackles during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Degree: A+
The running backs had their best game of the year, scoring three touchdowns, 156 rushing yards and an average of just under five yards per carry. Liam Coen was in the bag with play calls on Sunday and the running backs took advantage.
Wide receivers and tight ends
November 24, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) looks back after a call during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Degree: b
Mike Evans looked like his old self after his hamstring injury, but other receivers struggled to make plays. Cade Otton had just one catch, as did everyone else in the wide receiver and tight end groups. Other than that, they made catches and converted third downs when called upon. So what more could you want?
Offensive line
November 10, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (78) is helped off the field by staff during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Degree: A+
The offensive line allowed the running back to create on Sunday and keep Baker Mayfield's jersey clean. Furthermore, they only allowed three pressures in total. All of this happened without Tristan Wirfs in the lineup, allowing him to rest and be ready for Week 13 against the Panthers.
Defensive line
East Rutherford, NJ – November 24, 2024 – Tommy DeVito of the Giants is hit after throwing this pass from Tampa Bay's Calijah Kancey in the fourth quarter. DeVito was injured and sidelined for one play when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came to MetLife Stadium and defeated the New York Giants 30-7.
Degree: A+
This group had four sacks, three tackles for a loss and a whopping nine quarterback hits. They didn't let Tommy DeVito breathe, let alone think, in the backfield. The result was a dominant performance that showed Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey can be one of the NFL's best defensive duos.
Linebackers
November 10, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) prepares before the San Francisco 49ers game before the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Degree: b
Lavonte David and his group generated pressure and kept breakout freshman Tyrone Tracy Jr. on the ground. They forced turnovers, made mistakes and put in a complete performance in return.
Secondary
November 24, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (3) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Degree: b
In the first half, this group showed their best game of the entire season. In the second half, Malik Nabers had more impact and they also lost Jordan Whitehead to injury. It will be interesting to see if this group can turn this performance into another strong performance against a weaker Panthers passing attack in Week 13.
