Pinned
Link copied
The Patriots and Giants put a bow on the preseason on Sunday night with New England getting the better of New York at MetLife Stadium, 22-20. If the pecking order in this game was any indication, Cam Newton will likely be the team's starter to begin the regular season. He started and played the entire first quarter behind the starting offensive line and completed two of his five throws for 10 yards and an interception. While those numbers aren't anything to write home about, this interception was more of a credit to Giants linebacker Blake Martinez, who was able to muscle the ball away from Jakobi Meyers.
Meanwhile, Mac Jones came in behind Newton, to start the second quarter. The start to his night was also a bit choppy but settled down to begin the second half, leading the Patriots offense on a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that culminated in a 17-yard strike to receiver Isaiah Zuber. He finished his night completing 10 of 14 for 156 yards and a touchdown.
For New York, protecting Daniel Jones was a key issue through the first two quarters. The young quarterback was constantly under siege and sacked twice in the first half. He was also pressured into throwing an interception in the end zone by linebacker Josh Uche, who continues to stand out as a pass rusher for New England. That said, he finished his preseason by capping off an impressive two-minute drill prior to halftime that ended with a 23-yard touchdown to Kaden Smith. In all, Jones completed 17 of his 22 throws for 135 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
From here, the Giants will prepare for their regular-season opener against Teddy Bridgewater and the Denver Broncos. Meanwhile, the Patriots will head back to Foxborough and await the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.
