Bucanneers lose their manhood

The Giants took a lot more from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers than a playoff game, the G-men also snatched the Bucs' manhood. In fact, this contest resembled a botched circumcision; ouch! This was a New York team, mind you, that was playing without three starters. The center, Shaun O'hara, their corner back, Sam Madison, also tight end, Jeremy Shockey; yet, the Giants didn't miss a beat. In a season ending game against the New England Patriots, the Giants decided to throw all caution to the wind by playing their starters. The Bucs, meanwhile, rested several key players while losing their last three regular season contests. Gruden's decision to rest his stars cost journey man running back, Ernest Graham, a chance to gain 1, 000 yards while quarterback, Jeff Garcia, openly complained about being rusty going into the playoffs. In a contact sport , a coach who constantly carps about injuries could be unconsciously portraying his team as soft to a league full of virile men. For the Giants, this was no signature win. Beating Tampa is akin to besting second tier clubs like the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, or Cardinals. Think about it, would Tampa have been 7-9 or 9-7 with a healthy Jake Delhome in Carolina; how would the Atlanta Falcons have fared if Michael Vick were not in prison. Finally, what happens if the Saints don't try that crazy play in the waning moments of their game against the Buccaneers. All things considered, Tampa was lucky, and Gruden has brought some time for this coming season; but they will need to become smart players in free agency. A stronger receiving corps, along with a break away running back would help them make up some ground in the mediocre NFC. Meanwhile, take the Cowboys and points against the Giants Sunday.