Patriots Defense Set to Welcome Depleted Giants Offense into Gillette
Players, analysts and fans around the league are wondering when the New England Patriots defense is finally going to be matched up against a strong offense. Unfortunately for everyone outside out New England, this week's Thursday Night Football contest will not offer that.
The New York Giants are about as banged-up as any team in the league. Although their 2-3 record is far better than what was expected of them up to this point, Thursday night vs. the Patriots should be troublesome for the G-men.
Throughout the first five weeks, the Patriots' defense has been suffocating vs. the pass and the run. Coming into this week's matchup vs. the Giants, New England is facing rookie quarterback Daniel Jones, who will lead an offense that will be missing their best offensive weapons. Second-year stud Saquon Barkley is officially listed OUT, as his rapid return from a high-ankle sprain will come up just short due to this week's quick turnaround. Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram, two of Jones' best pass-catchers, are also OUT Thursday night.
As advertised, the Patriots' linebacker and secondary units have been nothing short of spectacular so far this season. That will not change this week. A primetime game, Patriots playing at home, facing a rookie QB, no Barkley, and a wounded Giant's receiving core? The historic run that this New England defense is on will only continue this week.
