Patriots against Giants: The positives, the negatives, the mistakes that lead to defeat

Before this seasons training camp, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel explained that he evaluates his team in three categories: the strong points, the weak spots, and the critical errors that can cost a game. Monday Night Footballs 33-15 victory over the New York Giants mostly showcased the Patriots strengths, but it also revealed areas that need attention. Heres a breakdown of the Week 13 matchup through that lens.

The Highlights: High Energy

Returning to Monday Night Football after three years, the Patriots opened with intensity. Jumping to a 17-0 lead through strong performances in offense, defense, and special teams, New England consistently demonstrated physicality and energy throughout the game.

We focused on being aggressive and attacking and keeping that mindset. And I think we did, Vrabel said postgame. The team set the tone immediately: a 39-yard kickoff return placed the offense near midfield, leading to a field goal on the opening drive. The defense followed with pressure, including linebacker Harold Landry sacking quarterback Jaxson Dart. Moments later, Marcus Jones electrified the crowd with a 94-yard touchdown return.

Cornerback Christian Gonzalez emphasized Jones impact: In each game he has returned a touchdown, it has just sparked the offense and defense. That is a big weapon we have. The Patriots maintained momentum for most of the night, ultimately controlling the game comfortably.

The Lapses: Missed Tackles

Although the Patriots played well overall, there were some missteps. Punting and a missed field goal were minor, but tackling stood out. The team missed eight tacklesabove their season average of 6.3. A key example came on the Giants first touchdown drive, when Darius Slayton turned a 30-yard catch-and-run into a score, outmaneuvering Jaylinn Hawkins, Marcus Jones, and Christian Gonzalez.

While tackling was not a major flaw, the Giants demonstrated how quickly momentum can shift with a single lapse.

The Costly Mistakes: Inefficient Red Zone Performance

Despite winning by 18 points and dominating in all three phases, the Patriots left scoring opportunities on the field. Out of nine meaningful possessions, New England scored six times, with only two touchdowns. The team went 1-for-5 in the red zone, highlighting an area for improvement.

Vrabel noted, We need to be better in the red zone. This season, the Patriots rank 24th in red zone efficiency, converting only 51.1% of trips. Among playoff-contending teams, only Tampa Bay (50%) and Baltimore (46.5%) rank lower. Improved efficiency in converting scoring chances will be crucial for postseason success.

Author: Zoe Harrison