Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 294 yards on 24-for-30 passing on Sunday as the Buccaneers ended a four-game losing streak with a 30-7 rout of the host New York Giants in East Rutherford, N.J.
Coming off a bye week after a brutal stretch of losses against Baltimore, Atlanta, Kansas City and San Francisco, the Bucs improved to 5-6 as they attempt to stay close to the Falcons (6-5), leaders of the NFC South.
New York fell to 2-9 with its sixth consecutive defeat.
Second-year pro and local boy Tommy DeVito was ineffective in his seventh career start and first of this season after the surprise benching and then release of veteran quarterback Daniel Jones. Pressured mercilessly — and sacked four times — DeVito finished 21-for-31 for 189 yards, much of it after the Bucs had settled the issue.
The Bucs led 23-0 at the end of the first half and outgained New York 290-45 in total yardage. DeVito lost not only the booing home crowd but his signature “pinched fingers” touchdown celebration. Mayfield vigorously brandished the gesture after clattering into the end zone from the 10-yard line with 12 seconds left in the half.
Sean Tucker’s 1-yard run gave the Buccaneers a 7-0 lead on an opening drive of the game that consumed 14 plays and nearly nine minutes.
Chase McLaughlin’s 23-yard field goal increased the margin to 10-0 with 12:03 left in the half. Bucky Irving added a 6-yard scoring run about six minutes later for a 17-0 cushion.
The Giants began the second half with a promising drive to the Tampa Bay 5, but running back Tyrone Tracy fumbled on a first-and-goal rush. It was the Giants’ seventh red zone turnover this season.
Tampa Bay then drove 95 yards, culminating with Rachaad White’s 1-yard touchdown run for a 30-0 lead.
The Giants responded with Devin Singletary’s 1-yard score to make it 30-7 with 11:28 remaining.
Star wide receiver Mike Evans returned after missing three games with a hamstring injury to lead the Bucs with five receptions for 68 yards on six targets. Irving rushed 12 times for 87 yards and a score, and caught six passes for 64 yards.
–Field Level Media
