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New England Patriots

New England Patriots

New England Patriots

Patriots lose to Giants after missed last-second field goal

By Matt Dolloff
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 26: Dane Belton #24 of the New York Giants celebrates after a missed field goal during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on November 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

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.

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.

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.

 

  • The teams traded punts again, as they were wont to do in this game, but after the Giants’ second punt of the third quarter, the Pats did something worse. Zappe forced a pass into triple coverage for his first interception of the game, in a similar-looking play to the one that led to Jones’ first pick.

  • The INT and return by Xavier McKinney set up the Giants at the Patriots’ 32-yard line. The New England defense held strong and forced a field goal attempt, but Randy Bullock converted from 42 yards to put the Giants up 10-7 with 8:13 left in regulation.

    Ultimately, the Patriots had a chance to tie the game with six seconds left, after Zappe drove them well into field goal range. But as it’s often gone this season for them, they couldn’t execute in the most crucial moments. Add Ryland to the list.

    Up Next: The Patriots’ schedule certainly isn’t getting any easier. They will head home for Week 13, when they face the talented Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium.

    Get complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

    Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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