Jameis Winston entered the game in the second half in a desperate comeback attempt by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jameis Winston did all that he could, but it was not enough to spoil Saquon Barkley’s three touchdown performance as the New York Giants defeat the Buccaneers 38-35.
First Quarter
The Giants received the opening kickoff and marched down the field on the first possession of the game. It took only six plays to score the first touchdown of the game on a play-action pass to Saquon Barkley. On the Tampa Bay Buccaneers first possession, the Buccaneers took a 12-play drive deep into New York territory. Similar to last week, the drive resulted in no points after Ryan Fitzpatrick’s quarterback sneak failed to convert on fourth and one.
Second Quarter
The Giants’ first possession of the second quarter was almost equivalent to their first possession of the first quarter. This time, it took 12 plays to get the same result. Saquon Barkley scored his second touchdown of the afternoon with a 5-yard touchdown run up the middle to give New York a 14-0 lead. Later in the quarter, the Buccaneers responded with a touchdown run from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick also added an interception at the end of the first half with a throw into triple coverage.
Second Half
Third Quarter
The second play of the third quarter was an interception by New York that was returned for a touchdown to give the Giants a 21-7 lead. Fitzpatrick’s third interception of the game came on a heave into the end zone for DeSean Jackson who was double covered. Jameis Winston entered the game and led a touchdown drive which was capped off with a fumble recovery in the end zone by Mike Evans. The third quarter finished with the Giants leading 24-14.
Fourth Quarter
The Giants extended their lead in the fourth quarter with a touchdown reception from Odell Beckham Jr. The Buccaneers responded with a touchdown drive of their own. Peyton Barber brought Tampa Bay within 10 points with a 5-yard rushing touchdown. After a touchdown throw from Winston to Adam Humphries, Saquon Barkley and Mike Evans exchanged touchdowns. Trailing 35-38, the Buccaneers attempted an onside kick with under 3:00 remaining, which the Giants recovered. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got the ball back with 23 seconds remaining but it was too little, too late.
Jameis Winston totaled 199 yards in relief with two touchdowns and an interception. Peyton Barber finished with 106 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Eli Manning had 231 yards with two passing touchdowns. Saquan Barkley totaled 142 yards and two touchdowns.
Up next, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns home to face the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday.
New York travels to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles next Sunday.