QUARTERBACKSWhat has happened to Kerry Collins (18 of 34, 160 yards, 2 INTs)? Lost two fumbles and was responsible for four turnovers. Had two TD passes dropped.
RUNNING BACKS Would Tiki Barber (13-55 rushing, 5-34 receiving) have picked up a key third- and-1 had he not fumbled? We’ll never know. Also failed to handle a low pitchout.
WIDE RECEIVERSAmani Toomer (4-34) is in a funk. Giants expect big plays from him and he didn’t deliver, failing to haul in two TDs. Got hammered on first one in end zone but drop over middle should have gone for 80-yarder. Ike Hilliard (4-43) and David Tyree (3-23) are giving what they can.
TIGHT ENDSMarcellus Rivers (2-26) is not the threat injured Jeremy Shockey is. That’s not a news flash.
OFFENSIVE LINERookie RG David Diehl was jumpy and hit for two false starts. LT Luke Petitgout was hit for one and was abused by DE Simeon Rice on sack of Collins that caused fumble.
DEFENSIVE LINEJust when it looked as if Bucs were stopped early in second quarter, DT Keith Hamilton reaches out and grabs Brad Johnson’s facemask. Yuck! DE Michael Strahan had a sack and fumble recovery.
LINEBACKERSBrandon Short looked silly crawling on the grass in celebration after stopping Thomas Jones for a 1-yard gain, especially after Short was hit with two costly penalties, one for roughing the passer. Coverage by this group continues to sag.
SECONDARYRookie CB Frank Walker’s 56-yard interception return for TD in fourth quarter should have been huge spark. FS Omar Stoutmire had a few big hits but he and SS Ryan Clark both missed tackles on Charles Lee’s preventable 53-yard TD.
SPECIAL TEAMSJoy to the world, Delvin Joyce has been spotted. Replaced struggling Brian Mitchell and responded with 36-yard kickoff return and 8-yard punt return.
KICKING GAMEMatt Bryant hit his two field-goal attempts, both from 30 yards. Jeff Fea- gles had one punt go off side of his foot but otherwise was fine.
COACHINGA more spirited effort, but Jim Fassel can’t get club to quit turning over ball and committing stupid penalties. Taking late safety was only option. It’s going to be a long final month.