Image courtesy of USA Today

The Patriots dropped to 2-9 on the season thanks to an ugly 10-7 loss to the Giants in New York. Once again, the offense was putrid and the defense was good. It is the same script we have seen all season from this team. 

Here are seven points from today’s game.

1. Mac benched at the half: Mac Jones was awful in the first half and ultimately benched in favor of Bailey Zappe who led the only scoring drive of the game. Jones completed 12-of-21 for 89 yards and two awful interceptions. 

Based on the fact that the two split the reps last week, you would have to think Zappe will get the start this week against the Chargers. 

2. Zappe gives the O a spark. I think? Zappe did give the offense a spark when he came in in the second leading them on a scoring drive but he also threw an interception. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien kept it simple for Zappe throwing perimeter screens and to the backs out of the backfield. If Zappe is the starter moving forward, the Patriots will have to open things up more and trust him.

3. Defense great again: The defense held the Giants to 10 points and 220 yards of total offense. That’s it! In the past three games, this group has allowed 40 total points!! Kudos to the guys on this side of the ball that are showing up, balling out and not losing their minds on the offense. They’d have every reason to lose it but they haven’t. 

4. Running game produced: The Patriots ran the ball well which isn’t a surprise considering the fact that coming into the game, the Giants ranked 29th against the run, giving up 135 yards per game. Rhamondre Stevenson carried the ball 21 times for 98 yards and a touchdown. Zeke Elliott also had a decent game carrying the ball 9 times for 46 yards. The Patriots ran for 147 yards collectively. 

5. Offensive played fine: I thought the offensive line played well yesterday, especially in the run game. They still had some protection issues at times and did give up two sacks but overall, they played one of their better games of the season.

6. Undisciplined play: The lack of discipline continues to be an issue for this team, especially in critical situations. Take the Keion White penalty for example. It ended up costing the offense field position. The lack of discipline and situational awareness with this team is astonishing. 

7. Ryland’s miss: Rookie kicker Chad Ryland missed a potential game tying 35 yard field goal at the end of the game. You know who made a 53 yard field goal yesterday, Nick Folk. Spending a fourth round pick on Ryland and moving on from Folk are arguably two of Bill Belichick’s worst moves in recent years.