Bucs lose heart-breaker to Giants on missed field goal

A 34-yard field goal by rookie Matt Gay sailed just wide in the final seconds.

Record-breaking performances from Mike Evans and Shaquil Barrett weren't enough for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday against the New York Giants, nor was a three-score halftime lead.

Despite a hat-trick of touchdown receptions from Evans, four sacks from Barrett, and a 28-10 lead at the halfway point, the Bucs fell 32-31 at home to the Giants, thanks to a missed chip-shot field goal and an incredible NFL debut from New York rookie quarterback Daniel Jones.

Jones scored his second rushing touchdown of the game on fourth-and-goal with little more than a minute remaining in the game, giving the Giants a one-point lead that would never have been if not for a pair of failed extra points in the first half. Even so, Jameis Winston and the Bucs offense marched right down the field in the final minute, punctuated by a 44-yard bomb to Evans to set up the would-be game-winner.

But despite hitting his first four field goal attempts in the game, including a 52-yarder, rookie kicker Matt Gay missed a 34-yard attempt by mere inches to give the Giants their first win of the season.

Outside of a single interception, Winston had a strong day, completing 23 of 37 passes for 380 yards and three touchdowns, all to Evans, who finished his day with 190 yards on eight receptions.

Jones made his first NFL start in style, completing 23 of 36 passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns, adding a pair of touchdown runs on the ground and no interceptions. 

The Giants won the game despite losing Saquon Barkley for the entire second half due to an ankle injury. Even prior to leaving the game, Barkley struggled against Tampa Bay's defense, managing just 10 rushing yards on eight carries and 27 yards on four receptions.