New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots extended their winning streak to 10 games after beating the New York Giants 33-15 on Monday. However, they did so without some key players.
The Patriots were without starting left tackle Will Campbell and starting left guard Jared Wilson. Garrett Bradbury was a late addition to the injury report with an illness, but played. Campbell and Wilson had started 11 games together this season, with Campbell starting all 12 of the Patriots games before landing on injured reserve.
Campbell and Wilson are key players for the Patriots. Drake Maye was sacked three times on the night, but otherwise, it was a clean game from the offensive line. Vederian Lowe and Ben Brown started at left tackle and left guard, and Maye spoke on how they played.
“I told them I have a lot of faith in them … I think they stepped up,” Maye told Patriots insider Alex Barth after the game.
Maye continued his stellar season behind the Patriots’ banged-up offensive line. He went 24-for-31 passing with 282 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots’ run game was still able to succeed despite the absences of Campbell and Wilson. New England ran for 119 yards, with TreVeyon Henderson leading the way with 67 rushing yards.
Unlike Campbell, Wilson was not placed on injured reserve. He is reportedly dealing with a high-ankle sprain, but by keeping him off the injured reserve, the Patriots are essentially saying he has a chance to return without missing at least four games.
The Patriots moved to 11-2 after their win against the Giants and go into their bye week as the top seed in the AFC. Maye is a legitimate MVP candidate, and getting Campbell and Wilson back could help fuel a Super Bowl run.
