The New York Giants fought back from a disappointing start in their home opener to overcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 41-34. The Giants trailed 11 points after the first half as the boos erupted at Metlife Stadium. Quarterback Eli Manning did not look like the Manning who led the team to the Super Bowl last season.
The first half for Manning was uncharacteristically sloppy. Manning gave up three interceptions that were all converted by the Buccaneers to points, resulting in 17 TB points. This was Manning’s first interception since the Jan. 15 game against the Green Bay Packers. The halftime break proved to be just what the Giants needed as they returned and took the game back. The booing soon turned into cheers as the vintage salsa dancing from wide receiver Victor Cruz brought life back into the fans. Manning connected with Cruz for an 80 yard touchdown, and then converted the two-point play successfully with a pass to running back Andre Brown for the first tie of the game.
The Giants got back on top with another touchdown pass to wide receiver Martellus Bennett with 3:59 remaining. The Giants could not celebrate the lead for long, as Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman threw a 41-yard touchdown to tie the game once more just before the two minute warning. With just 31 seconds left in the game, Brown squeezed in a 2-yard touchdown to secure the thrilling comeback win.
Brown filled in for running back Ahmad Bradshaw who left in the first half for a neck x-ray. Bradshaw returned to the sidelines and cheered on his team. Brown had a stellar performance, proving to be a worthy backup to Bradshaw, finishing the day with 13 carries over 71 yards.
Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks had a tremendous game with 10 receptions and 199 yards and 1 TD, connecting with Manning for the first touchdown of the game in the second quarter. Nicks was a vital player in Sunday’s comeback win, as was veteran kicker Lawrence Tynes who was 4/4 in field goals and scored 15 points. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul had a better defensive outing in Game 2, putting pressure on Freeman with one successful sack.
Manning did not let his poor first half performance and the boos from the crowd affect him in crunch time, as he came back strong, finishing the day 31/51 for a career-best 510 yards. The Giants scored a whopping 25 points in the fourth quarter. Despite the win, some of the top players went down early. Along with Bradshaw, wide receiver Domenik Hixon and right tackle David Diehl left the game early. Hixon suffered a concussion and Diehl injured his knee. The extent of these injuries is still unknown.
The Giants have just three full days to prepare to take on Cam Newton and the Panthers this Thursday, Sept.20 at Bank of America Stadium.
