After poor defensive game vs. Pats, Giants must improve against Bucs

The ticker tape parade that the Giants seemed to be throwing for themselves after they nearly beat the Patriots last weekend is finally over. Now it's time to clean up the mess. Lost amid the avalanche of accolades heaped on the Giants following their 38-35 loss to New England on Saturday was the fact that it was hardly their defense's finest hour. The Giants gave up 390 yards and 38 points, including 22 in a crucial 14-1/2-minute span late in the game.

Yes, it was against a record-setting offense that no one has been able to stop. Still, against the Buccaneers (9-7) in Tampa tomorrow, the Giants (10-6) are expecting a low-scoring, defensive playoff struggle. Continue