As if the New England Patriots’ nightmare season couldn’t get any worse, they arguably hit yet another new low on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Once again plagued by turnovers, and this time by both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, and general ineptitude, the Patriots lost 10-7 to the New York Giants to fall to 2-9 on the 2023 season. They had an opportunity to tie the game at 10 on their final offensive play, but rookie kicker Chad Ryland missed wide left from 35 yards to seal the loss.
Giants win on the Patriots missed field goal. #NEvsNYG pic.twitter.com/7VY2vqmDBz
— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2023
Mac Jones went 12-of-21 passing for 89 yards and two interceptions, an abysmal 27.8 passer rating, and was benched after the first half. Zappe came in to replace Jones in the second half, and did manage to lead one touchdown drive, but ultimately went just 9-of-14 for 51 yards and an INT.
The Patriots have allowed just 40 points on defense in their last three games, but thanks to their futility on offense, they’re 0-3 in those games (h/t Phil Perry). If the season ended after 12 weeks, the Patriots would have the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Patriots-Giants ‘Highlights’
The Patriots had a solid start to the game, as short-lived as it was. Safety Jabrill Peppers gave the Pats some much-needed positive momentum when the Giants botched a handoff and he fell on the ball for a fumble recovery.
.@JabrillPeppers on the ball!
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 26, 2023
📺: #NEvsNYG on FOX pic.twitter.com/KnvrFZKmTW
Offensively, the game ground to a halt after the Patriots got their turnover. The next nine combined possessions comprised seven punts and two interceptions, both picks thrown by Mac Jones. Off the second one, the Giants drove to the end zone for a touchdown in six plays, capped by a catch-and-run score by wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins.
Isaiah Hodgins breaks a tackle for the @Giants score!
— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2023
📺: #NEvsNYG on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/1dOevJjoZZ pic.twitter.com/ShGwKQ3cne