Pewter Report's Mark Cook offers up his analysis on how Tampa Bay's
 offense played against New York in the Giants' 41-34 victory over the Bucs, and dishes out the game grades for each offensive unit.

BUCCANEERS QUARTERBACKS
Most Bucs fans are probably split on the play of quarterback Josh Freeman. Some think he was solid and did enough, others may criticize his decision-making and his two interceptions. I am among the latter.

While Freeman certainly played well enough to put his team in position to win, he did not take over the game and actually win it, as his Giants counterpart Eli Manning did. One plus – and a sign of confidence and growth – was Freeman’s willingness to take some shots down the field – something he did way too infrequently last season. At other times Freeman looked hesitant and unsure what to do. And for the most part Freeman was well protected, especially considering the pedigree of the Giants pass rush.

Part of Freeman’s lackluster play at times could very well have been a result of the game plan. Overall it was a step up from last week, but not quite enough to get the job done.
GAME GRADE = C

BUCCANEERS RUNNING BACKS
It was clear the Giants were determined to stop the run, and for the most part, did just that. RB Doug Martin was less effective on Sunday than he was last week against the Panthers. Martin averaged just 3.3 yards per carry on Sunday and found little running room for a majority of the afternoon. Martin also failed to be targeted in the passing game, something many thought would be an effective weapon against the Giants pass rush. Overall Martin did what was asked, which included scoring his first NFL touchdown.

LeGarrette Blount was nowhere to be seen except for one play, and didn’t register a touch. Blount may still be feeling the effects of the pinched nerve suffered last week, but most likely has found himself third on the depth chart behind Martin and former Giant D.J. Ware.

Ware played sparingly himself, only carrying the ball one time for six yards, and FB Eric Lorig had just one reception on Sunday.
GAME GRADE = C

BUCCANEERS WIDE RECEIVER
Vincent Jackson showed why the Buccaneers shelled out $55.5 million to lure the former Charger to Tampa Bay with a five-catch, 128-yard, one touchdown performance on Sunday against New York. Jackson completely rebounded after his shaky game last week against Carolina and could have had another TD reception had Freeman not overthrown him in the first half on a play where Jackson had two steps on his defender.

Mike Williams had a highlight-reel type catch late in the fourth to briefly tie the game, reminiscent of his 11-touchdown rookie season. But Williams also had a drive-killing mistake in the fourth quarter, failing to turn up field and reach the first down marker. The Buccaneers came up a yard short on the play and were forced to punt, instead of at the very least, working another three minutes off the clock.

The only other receiver to notch a Freeman pass was Sammie Stroughter to who nabbed a 16-yard third down reception from Freeman.
GAME GRADE = B+

BUCCANEERS OFFENSIVE LINE
The Buccaneers were without starter Jeremy Trueblood on Sunday but reserve Demar Dotson more than held his own in pass protection. For the most part the entire line did a good job protecting Freeman who was sacked just twice on Sunday.

Ted Larsen was better than last week and had no glaring errors, and fellow guard and teammate Carl Nicks played another solid game. Center Jeremy Zuttah will most likely draw praise from the coaching staff as he appeared to – along with QB Josh Freeman – make the correct line calls. All in all, the pass protection was solid.

Opening up running lanes was another story however, as Buccaneers running back averaged less than four yards per carry. Part of that falls on offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan's shoulders as it seemed the Buccaneers were determined to run behind Larsen and Dotson as opposed to the Nicks and Donald Penn.
GAME GRADE = C+

BUCCANEERS TIGHT ENDS
For the first three and a half quarters one might have wondered if Sullivan completely forgot the Buccaneers signed Dallas Clark in the offseason. Moslty ignored until late in the second half, Freeman and Sullivan finally decided to get Clark involved and the veteran responded with four fourth quarter receptions, and finished the game with four catches for 33 yards.

The Buccaneers didn’t attempt to throw to Luke Stocker who missed at least two key blocks on running plays during the course of the game. Stocker looked late getting out of his stance on the two plays in questioned and allowed penetration that resulted in less than stellar results.
GAME GRADE = C