This week's electronic conversation between Sports columnists Gary Shelton and John Romano:
GS: You're a smart guy, John. You're worldly, and you're wise. Okay, you're not any of those things, but can you tell me why the Giants are 112-point favorites in today's game?
JR: Because the mob controls Vegas? No way that spread should be more than 106 points.
GS: Wow. It didn't take long for things to get ugly, did it? The Bucs are winless, the defense can't tackle, and no one is spending money. Tell me: When did Hugh Culverhouse take over again?
JR: Come on now, Gary, aren't you being a little unfair? Hugh never raised ticket prices this much.
GS: What old Hugh would raise this week would be a glass, because these guys look so much like a tribute band to one of his old squads. For instance, look at Gaines Adams and tell me you don't see Eric Curry. Seriously, John, is there anything the Bucs can do to keep Eli Manning off the ESPN highlights? Is there any way they can make him feel as picked upon as those mean Rikers inmates made Plaxico Burress feel?
JR: The problem is they're caught between two worlds on defense. The line isn't getting enough pressure on the quarterback, but they're afraid to blitz because the secondary is depleted and struggling to cover anyone. They talked about Quincy Black being some kind of DL/LB hybrid superman in training camp, but we haven't seen him in the pass rush. They have to figure out something in a hurry.
GS: They could start by figuring out how to tackle. And how to stop the 40-yard touchdown pass. Good defenses do that. Heck, even mediocre defenses do that. It may not be a huddle full of Pro Bowl players, but aren't they better than they've shown?
JR: If they're not, somebody has some explaining to do. I know they felt like they needed to find out if Black, Adams, Geno Hayes, Sabby Piscitelli and Aqib Talib were part of the future. And, honestly, you don't expect to be right on all of them. But you hope you're not wrong on all of them, either.
GS: At the risk of playing good cop, I thought Piscitelli bounced back well last week, and although Talib has a lot to learn about standing up and being accountable, I think he was okay. But there haven't been many plays made by the front seven, have there?
JR: The real shame is I kind of like this offense, but it's being taken out of its game plan because of the score. Vicious cycle, isn't it?
GS: The offense is certainly more enjoyable than the defense to watch, but it bogged down at the wrong time last week. The Bucs had three series in which they were down by six points, and they averaged 2.8 yards per play. Take away a 17-yard gain, and they averaged 2.0. So I'm not sure we know enough about this offense at crunch time. Or, for that matter, about crunch time.
JR: So forget the point spread, the over/under and the $20 you owe me. What kind of chance do the Bucs have of winning today?
GS: As I have told you before, I will pay you the money when you finish washing my dogs. As far as winning today, I'd say they have a better chance than people think. This is the NFL, and the Giants are on the road. All that has to happen is that Eli gets lost, the Giants get overconfident and Tom Coughlin gets so caught up in his new, peppy persona that he thinks he's coaching Jacksonville again. But, yeah, I'd bet on the Giants to win by 14. You?
JR: I'll take that bet. Loser buys the Oreos.
GS: And the winner gets to be the new defensive coordinator.
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