The New York Giants enter Week 12 fresh off their third win of the season and now turn their attention to the New England Patriots.
The two teams, who are forever linked together because of the matchups in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, are both having down seasons.
With both teams out of any realistic playoff contention, most will be paying attention to this game given the 2024 NFL draft implications — each team is currently slated to pick in the top five.
Following the Giants’ win against the Washington Commanders, it will be telling to see how they follow up that performance.
Here are three causes for concern ahead of Sunday’s matchup at MetLife Stadium.
Questions at quarterback
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is waiting to name his quarterback for Sunday. With confidence in Mac Jones clearly shaky, at best, the Patriots may go in a different direction in Week 12.
The Giants traditionally do not fare well against backup quarterbacks, so a change at QB for the Patriots could most certainly spell trouble for the Giants.
Big Blue’s defense will need to be prepared for whoever is out there on Sunday.
Patriots rushing attack
The Patriots run the ball just under 40% of the time, which is 25th in the league.
However, with a lack of playmakers in the passing game and a lack of confidence at the quarterback position, Rhamondre Stevenson and the Giants’ old foe, Ezekiel Elliott, may see an increase in workload.
The Giants also struggle to stop the run and you can bet Belichick will aim to exploit that.
Offensive line woes
The Giants allowed a glaring nine sacks last week against the Washington Commanders.
The offensive line has struggled all season long and now, with Andrew Thomas playing on a sprained MCL, allowing sacks is most certainly going to be a concern in Week 12 and beyond.
Even against teams that have struggled to rush the quarterback this season, the Giants have proven to make opposing pass rushes look elite.
