Patriots’ starting quarterback remains a mystery following Saturday’s roster moves

As the New England Patriots made the trip to New Jersey for their matchup with the New York Giants on Sunday, they added another wrinkle to what's been a roller coaster week at the quarterback position. Less than 24 hours to go until kickoff the Patriots' starting QB for Sunday is unknown, but one potential option is now off the table after Saturday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday afternoon that the Patriots have waived quarterback Will Grier. The Patriots first signed Grier in late September off the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad. He dressed for multiple games as the 'emergency third quarterback' but was never active.

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While the battle for this week's starting quarterback job remains open, Grier was not believe to be much of a factor in the competition this week. A third-round pick in 2019, Grier hasn't appeared in an NFL regular season game since 2019.

Still, the battle for the job is now officially down to Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe. According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, that decision could come "as late as [Sunday] morning." Howe also said on Saturday that there's a chance the team uses some sort of rotation between the two.

To fill Grier's roster spot, the Patriots signed offensive tackle Conor McDermott from the practice squad to the active roster. McDermott has been the Patriots' starting left tackle the last two weeks with Trent Brown out with an ankle injury, and was out of elevations. Brown is listed as questionable for Sunday's game.

The New England Patriots return from their bye week on Sunday. They'll be returning to the site of one of their two wins this season, heading back to the Meadowlands to take on the New York Giants (let me acknowledge that headline isn't entirely correct - the Patriots are actually back in New Jersey).

These two teams are known for playing big games - having met twice in the Super Bowl this century (no need to get into those results). This week's game is still meaningful, but in a very different sense.

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Heading into this Week 12 meeting, both teams are in contention for a top draft pick. At 2-8, the Patriots would have the third overall pick if the draft were held now. The Giants aren't far behind at 3-8, sitting in fifth place in the hypothetical draft order. Whichever team loses this game will have the inside track on a top three pick with a month and a half to go in the season.

While this may be where fans' rooting interest lies this Sunday, it's important to remember that the draft standing is of zero relevance to any of the players or coaches who will be on the field on Sunday. Players are still playing to put out good tape and make sure they're on a roster next year - on their current team or elsewhere - while both coaching staffs are likely trying to save their jobs. Everybody involved in the game will be trying to win, there should be no questions about that.

Keeping that in mind, where will this game be decided? For those watching for reasons beyond draft standing, here's what to look for...

Who the Patriots will start at quarterback on Sunday remains a mystery. Whoever it is though, they should have the advantage at the position.

Yes, Giants rookie UDFA Tommy DeVito played well last week against the Washington Commanders, completing 69.2 percent of his 26 pass attempts for 246 yards with three touchdowns and no picks. However his other appearances this year haven't come close to that level. The goal for the Patriots, an attainable one at that, should be to make last week's performance the kind of 'flash in the pan' game we've seen from rookies this year, like Will Levis had against the Falcons or Tyson Bagent had against the Raiders.

DeVito has both taken a lot of sacks (20 in the last three games) and has been loose with the football (three interceptions in three games) so far this season. There will be chances for the Patriots' defense to create, and they need to take advantage of those chances. If the Patriots are going to win this game, the defense setting up premium field position - if not scoring outright - is a must.

At the same time whoever is under center for the Patriots - whether it's Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, Will Grier, or some kind of rotation of the three - needs to prioritize not taking negative plays and be careful with the football. Like the Patriots, the Giants will need their defense to make plays to win this game, and it will be up to the Patriots' offense to not open that door.

Last time we saw the Patriots' offense, they were facing a tough test in the Colts' defensive line, led by defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Bucker won that battle, recording six pressures with a sack and four run stuffs.

This week the Patriots' interior offensive line will (likely, more on this in a second) be tested again. The Giants' defensive front features four top-50 picks, highlighted by defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Lawrence's 53 pressures lead all defensive tackles and rank top five in the NFL. He's also fourth among all defensive tackles in run stops.

Lawrence has the ability to wreck this game for the Patriots. For New England to move the ball, the interior group of David Andrews, Sidy Sow, and Cole Strange will need to hold their own against him.

That all being said, it's assuming Lawrence plays this week. Lawrence has been getting Wednesdays off from practice for most of the season, but those absences were listed on the injury report as 'not injury related/rest.' The 26-year-old didn't practice again this Wednesday, but this time was listed with a hamstring injury. His status will be something to monitor.

After the Giants retaining running back Saquon Barkley through the franchise tag this summer and then gave him a raise, it's no surprise their offense runs through him. Despite missing three games, Barkley leads the team with 180 touches which is more than double the next closest player (Matt Breida, the backup running back, has 61). Meanwhile, wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson is the Giants' leader in touches among non-backfield players, with 38.

This plays right into one of Bill Belichick's core philosophies of defense - taking away what the other team does best and forcing them to play 'left-handed.' If Barkley is rendered a non-factor, the Giants' overall offense will follow.

How to the Patriots do that? Actually, a lot of their previous game plan should be able to carry over. They limited Jonathan Taylor, another one of the league's elite running backs, to three yards per carry and just one catch for six yards. That effort started up front, with another excellent game from Christian Barmore.

At the second level, the Patriots will need to both corral Barkley when he breaks through the line, and match up with him in coverage. Jabrill Peppers and Ja'Whaun Bentley are probably best suited for that role, especially Peppers. He has the athleticism to keep up with Barkley and is familiar with his game - he's been playing him since college and spent three years as his teammate in New York from 2019 to 2021.

Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.