Week 3
Giants at Bucs
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
TV:WTVT Ch. 13, DirecTV 712
Radio: Buccaneers Radio Network (in Tampa WFUS-FM, 103.5 and WDAE-AM, 620); Sirius Channel 158.
Weather: Per AccuWeather.com, perfect Raheem the Dream weather: Temperature at kickoff is expected to be 90 degrees under partly sunny skies dipping only slightly into the 80s in the second half before ending under thunderstorms.
Odds: Per Bodog.com, New York -7.
Outlook: If the Bucs are ever going to beat the Giants, this is the week. The Giants have nasty injuries to key players on its otherwise rugged defense, highlighted by defensive tackle Justin Tuck and safety Kenny Phillips. This will affect the Giants rotation and possibly allow the Bucs to double-team stud defensive end Osi Umenyiora. But if the Bucs can’t get any better blocking from what previously was thought to be their strength, it won’t matter and the Giants will likely crush the Bucs. For the Bucs to have a prayer of winning the offensive line must be able to block, thus enabling the Bucs to flaunt the Giants injuries. … Ball control will be critical. The Bucs defense, specifically its secondary, has been roasted more than a bratwurst at a tailgate party. If the Bucs control the ball with their running game (aided by blocking), it will keep the ball out of the hands of Eli Manning. Giants receivers Steve Smith and Mario Manningham are the top two receives for receiving yards in the NFC.
Fun facts: The Bucs have won 18 of their last 20 games if they do not commit a turnover. … When Cadillac Williams carries the ball at least 22 times, the Bucs are undefeated. … Artie Lange has lost a lot of money betting on the Giants to cover.
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