WATCH: Another Mac Jones INT Puts New England Patriots in 7-0 Deficit vs. New York Giants
The New England Patriots are clearly not feeling the “New York Groove” in their Week 12 matchup with the New York Giants from the Meadowlands.
In fact, they are signing that old futile, yet familiar song just miles from the birthplace of legendary crooner Frank Sinatra.
Starting at their own eight-yard-line, quarterback Mac Jones appeared to be leading a promising drive, thanks largely in part to a stellar effort from rookie receiver Demario Douglas.
However for the second time in the game, Jones threw a pressurized air ball to Giants middle defender Bobby Okereke who returned the pick for 55 yards. Earlier in the day, Jones had tossed yet another ill-advised attempt into triple coverage intended for Douglas.
To their credit, the Giants capitalized on Jones miscue. Quarterback Tommy DeVito led the team 26 yards on six plays, culminating in an impressive 12-yard touchdown catch from receiver Isaiah Hodgins to give New York a 7-0 lead.
New England Patriots QB Mac Jones attempts a toss to a teammate against the New York Giants in Week 12; 26 Nov. 2023
© Kevin R. Wexler / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Pats enter this matchup on the heels of a 10-6, Week 10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Frankfurt, Germany. Conversely, the Giants are hoping to continue their winning ways after a 31-19 victory over the Washington Commanders.
After nearly two weeks of semantical gymnastics, Patriots coach Bill Belichick decided to start Mac Jones at quarterback. Throughout the week, reports indicated that Jones had taken the majority of his reps with the first-team offense, with Bailey Zappe getting looks with the second unit. However, recent reports indicated that the snaps were more evenly distributed among both Jones and Zappe than originally thought. Still, the Pats decided to start Jones.
Despite battling through an ankle injury for the majority of the past three weeks, left tackle Trent Brown is active, as are veteran receiver DeVante Parker and rookie Kayshon Boutte.
For the Giants, star nose tackle Dexter Lawrence is inactive, after being listed as doubtful on Friday’s injury report. Lawrence had missed the previous three days of practice.
