Dilfer Takes Giant Steps Backward

The New York Giants proved once again that defense can be their best offense, especially against Tampa Bay quarterback Trent Dilfer.

Christian Peter scored on a 38-yard fumble return and rookie Andre Weathers ran back one of New York’s four interceptions for a touchdown as the Giants beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 17-13, Sunday.

The Giants won their fifth consecutive game with Kent Graham at quarterback, but its offense had virtually no success against a Buccaneer defense that allowed only 107 yards--the lowest total in team history.

Peter scored on the Buccaneers’ third offensive play when Jessie Armstead sacked Dilfer and forced a fumble that bounced right into the hands of the 300-pound defensive tackle.

Then Weathers erased a 10-7 Giant deficit with his eight-yard return of an interception for a touchdown late in the third quarter.

And Percy Ellsworth intercepted two Dilfer passes in the fourth quarter before the Tampa Bay quarterback was benched.

“You keep hitting at something, it’s got to break. That was our attitude,” Armstead said. “We kept knocking at that door, and finally we kicked that door in. I don’t care who the quarterback is; you put enough pressure on him, you’ll rattle the quarterback.”

Tampa Bay Coach Tony Dungy said he had not decided whether Dilfer had lost the starting job.

“He obviously didn’t make some very good decisions,” Dungy said.

With about 12 minutes left in the game, Ellsworth’s first interception set up Brad Daluiso’s 36-yard field goal, giving the Giants their 17-13 lead. Eric Zeier eventually replaced Dilfer.