The Patriots are 10-2 after a hard-fought win over the Bengals and now face the Giants under the lights on ESPN's Monday Night Football. Then it's on to the latest possible bye week for both teams, and New England wants to get there at 11-2 with a tenth-straight win.
Injuries have piled up, rookie starters Will Campbell and Jared Wilson are expected to be out, and Milton Williams remains on IR, but the Patriots still sit atop the AFC East and the conference.
How can they overcome the recent personnel losses and rally together for one more win before the bye? Here are the three things to watch most closely.
1. Run the Ball
The Patriots rank 27th in yards per attempt and 19th in rushing yards, and big plays on the ground dried up last week against Cincinnati. But this matchup screams opportunity: the Giants rank 32nd in rushing yards allowed and 32nd in yards per attempt, and last week gave up 237 rushing yards to Detroit, their third game allowing 200+ yards.
Rhamondre Stevenson returned last week, after missing three games due to a toe injury, but managed just 5 yards on 6 carries, leaning more on his pass protection skills after missing three weeks with a toe injury. TreVeyon Henderson, who has flashed explosiveness, could be the difference-maker. If New England leans on the run game, they can control tempo, protect Drake Maye, and keep the Giants pass rushers out of his lap.
2. Protect the Edges
The Giants' defensive front is dangerous, led by Brian Burns (39 QB pressures) and rookie Abdul Carter (37 pressures). Kayvon Thibodeaux remains sidelined, but with Will Campbell and Jared Wilson projected to be out, the Patriots will likely turn to backups like Vederian Lowe or rookie Marcus Bryant on the left side, and Ben Brown inside at guard.
Dexter Lawrence is a force in the middle of their defensive line who will also require some extra attention. Communication will be key for the new Patriots linemen who are thrown into the fire. Both Lowe and Brown picked up plenty of starting experience last season that should help them be ready.
Whoever gets the nod will need help from Josh McDaniels' scheme like chips, motion, and quick-game concepts to keep Maye upright.
3. Fight to the End
The Giants have nothing to lose and play like it. Despite their record, they've been competitive, blowing multiple late leads and twice posting 500-plus yards of offense in losses. Last week, they scored on two trick plays, and with an interim head coach and now an interim defensive coordinator, expect more unpredictability.
The Patriots must bring energy and finish strong. The Monday Night Football stage and throwback uniforms should provide juice, but the real goal is simple: get to the bye at 11-2, recharge, and prepare for the final four-game push with the top seed and division title in their hands.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
