Pats Pulpit
The New England Patriots’ return to Monday Night Football will see them go up against what is on paper an inferior opponent. While they are entering Week 13 with a 10-2 record, the New York Giants are only 2-10 and already eliminated from playoff contention.
That said, there is not taking the Giants lightly. They have played competitive football on offense, and are talented if underperforming on defense. Add the fact that the Patriots will be without the entire left side of their offensive line for that one, and you will get a game that might end up being more competitive than the difference in record would suggest.
Given their recent run of injuries, it will take a full-team effort for the Patriots to come away victoriously. That said, our eyes will be on a handful of players in particular: considering the circumstances and opponent, here are our pivotal Patriots for Monday’s game.
Obviously, we could include Drake Maye on this list every week. So, why is he on here right now? Because of two reasons: his up-and-down performance to open last week’s game versus the Cincinnati Bengals plus his change in supporting cast with the losses of left tackle Will Campbell and left guard Jared Wilson.
Against the Bengals in Week 12, Maye was uncharacteristically inaccurate early on in the game. While he did settle down after a pick-six in the early second quarter, his play still put the Patriots in a difficult situation as well as an early 10-0 hole. He was instrumental in them climbing out of it, but we will see on Monday whether those were some cracks in the armor or just a slow start.
As for his supporting cast, the Giants will likely try to take advantage of the change up front. How Maye reacts both in terms of his pre- and his in-play decision making will be critical.
Considering that the Patriots might have to scheme around a shorthanded offensive line, they might decide to include more quick game to get the ball out of Drake Maye’s hands. If so, second-round rookie TreVeyon Henderson might be heavily involved as a receiver: entering Week 13 with 29 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown, he is the most dynamic back on New England’s roster and therefore a prime candidate to be employed as a safety-blanket out of the backfield.
In addition, Henderson also will be asked to hold his own as a pass blocker again. The Giants are middle-of-the-pack in terms of blitz percentage this season (23%), but given the questions along the O-line and the fact that they are playing their first game under a new defensive coordinator — interim Charlie Bullen — might just elect to spice things up.
The spotlight will be on Vederian Lowe and Ben Brown on Monday, with the former replacing Will Campbell at left tackle and the latter taking over for Jared Wilson at left...
