Giants Vs. Buccaneers: Getting To Know The Tampa Bay Front Seven

Against the Carolina Panthers the Tampa Bay Buccaneers surrendered only 10 yards rushing in 13 attempts, a crazy number against a team with a good rushing attack. The Bucs also sacked Cam Newton three times in a season-opening 16-10 victory.

"They have a good front," said Giants coach Tom Coughlin.

Let's meet the front seven that will be a huge challenge for a Giants' offensive line that is anything but dominant.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) gets tripped up by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Adrian Clayborn (94) in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 16-10. Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

Adrian Clayborn (RDE) -- A 24-year-old second-year player who was Tampa Bay's first-round pick a season ago. He had 7.5 sacks a season ago, and had one of the Bucs' three sacks of Newton last week. Matchup: Sean Locklear or Will Beatty.

Roy Miller (RDT) -- A 6-foot-2, 310-pound fourth-year player. He started only three games last season. Matchup: Kevin Boothe.

Gerald McCoy (LDT) -- The third overall pick of the 2010 draft. Played in only six games last season after suffereing a biceps injury. Had one of Tampa Bay's sacks on Sunday. Matchup: Chris Snee.

Michael Bennett (LDE) -- Brother of Giants' tight end Martellus Bennett. He is in his fifth season and had a career-high four sacks a season ago. Had a sack and forced fumble against Carolina. Matchup: David Diehl.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Mason Foster (59) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE

Mason Foster (MLB) -- You guys remember foster, I'm sure. He was drafted by the Bucs in the third round a season ago, one pick after the Giants selected wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan. Let's be honest, a lot of you guys wanted Foster in that draft. Personally, I figured he was an obvious pick at that point in the draft. And right now this one looks like a mistake by the Giants, even though the linebacker situation has worked out pretty well. Foster is a starting-caliber middle linebacker who made 84 tackles last season. Pro Football Focus didn't like his work, grading him at -28.7 for the season. Still, a starting middle linebacker or a guy who has yet to catch an NFL pass -- which would you rather have?

Quincy Black (SLB) -- An old man in the front seven, playing in his sixth season.

LaVonte David (WLB) -- An athletic 6-foot-1, 233-pound player I know many of you who study the draft really loved. The Buccaneers took him in the second round (58th overall). A sideline-to-sideline defender who had six tackles in the season opener against Carolina.

Final Thoughts

There isn't a superstar among this front seven, but the Giants blockers have spent a lot of time recently making everybody look good. The athleticism of the linebackers will be a challenge for the Giants, who like to pull and trap. Locklear (-1.9), Kevin Boothe (-2.4) and Diehl (-2.9) were graded poorly in run-blocking by PFF a week ago and will need to do better. Bear Pascoe will also need to do a better job setting the edge than he did a week ago.