By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
FOXBORO, Mass. — Never mind the fact that Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is going to be without most of his top offensive weapons. Jones is entering ultra-rare territory as he tries to become the first rookie quarterback to beat the Patriots, in Foxboro, on Thursday Night Football.
In fact, he’s only the second rookie quarterback to even attempt it.
The only other rookie QB who has faced the Patriots at Gillette Stadium on a short week is Geno Smith, who started for the New York Jets in Foxboro on Sept. 12, 2013. Brady and the Patriots offense struggled that night, but Smith went 15-for-35 passing for 214 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions as the Pats edged out the Jets 13-10.
Only four QBs have beaten the Belichick Patriots, period: Ben Roethlisberger in 2004, Colt McCoy in 2010, Russell Wilson in 2012, and Smith later in the 2013 season. But they were all on their home fields. So Jones is truly looking to break new ground this week.
Rookie QBs have lost eight straight games against the Patriots going back to 2014. They haven’t always played poorly. But Jones does not have a lot going for him in his hopes to play well enough to even make Thursday night’s game competitive, let alone pull off an unprecedented upset.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.