The Patriots visit the New York Giants today looking for their third win of the season. Coming off the bye week, the Patriots coaching staff has had a lot of time to reflect on what they can fix, change and add. I do think we will see some wrinkles today.

Here is how the Patriots should attack the Giants today on offense and defense.

Offense

1. Run the ball out of more two-back formations: The Patriots need to find a way to get their ground game on track. The Giants give up an average of 135 yards per game on the ground. I would use 12 personnel and get into more two back formations and run the football, especially on early downs. Running man-gap and zone principles out of two back formations would be a new wrinkle.

2. Quick hitters off play-action: Getting the ball out of Jones hand quickly has to be a priority. If the Patriots can establish the run game, they can then set up quick hitters in play-action. Throwing backside skinny posts or slant routes is an easy way to take advantage of an aggressive front like the Giants.

3. More 7-Man Check Release Protections: The Patriots don’t have a good enough skill group that they can commit more bodies to protection. That being said, protection has to be a priority. They need to use more play-action and more two-back gun formations where they block first and check release second. They need to help the offensive line and give Jones more time.

 

Defense

1. Strictly 30 fronts: The Patriots have been playing more 30 fronts this season and they will have to today if they want to control the line of scrimmage and slow down Saquon Barkley. The Giants want to protect back up quarterback Tommy DeVito. Best way to do, run Barkley and the other backs. New York averages 111.5 yards per game on the ground.

2. Bring pressure: The Giants perimeter skill group is average at best. The Patriots secondary should have no problem matching up in man to man on the outside. Look for the Patriots to bring more heat, especially out of their 30 fronts as they try to get to DeVito early and throw him off his spot.

3. Utilize more T-E stunts on 2nd and 3rd & long: The Patriots should throw a bunch of different looks at DeVito regardless of down and distance but especially on long down situations. Look for a variety of blitzes and T-E stunts as the Patriots try to force DeVito from the pocket and put him on the run.