By Tom Krasniqi

It’s the raging controversy today throughout the NFL.  Did the Bucs cross the line when they rushed Giants quarterback Eli Manning on the game’s final play yesterday during the kneel down?  Giants coach Tom Coughlin was livid with Bucs coach Greg Schiano.  Manning called it “a cheap shot” and many Giants players were furious afterward, stating someone could’ve been hurt.  Giants guard Chris Snee told ESPN New York: “When I get a helmet off my knee at the end of the game, I’m not going to be happy….Maybe that’s acceptable in college, it’s not acceptable [in the NFL]”.

Today, the Bucs had their chance to chime in.  Some players, including defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, refused to address it.  Many players said they are just doing what they’re told to do.  Hmmmm.

Defensive tackle Roy Miller says that’s something they work on in practice. “We prepare for every situation”, says Miller.  “We had a chance to get the ball back and it didn’t happen”.  Miller says he’s 100% behind Schiano on the move, saying “I believe in everything he coaches”.  Miller confirmed that punches were thrown in the pile after the kneel down.  Did the Giants overreact? “It really doesn’t matter”, says Miller.

Linebacker Adam Hayward seemed to shrug off the controversy.  “I don’t know what everyone is doing…All I know is we’re taught to play to the end and that’s it”.  By the way, the NFL announced today that the Bucs were not in the wrong for trying to pry the ball loose with just 5-seconds left in the game.