The New York Giants couldn’t get out of their own way in the first half, and the New England Patriots took full advantage. As it stands, the Patriots hold a 24-7 lead, and it’s been a clinic in capitalizing on mistakes-mistakes the Giants just keep handing over.
Let’s start with the moment that summed up the Giants’ night: a bizarre field goal attempt that turned into something straight out of a blooper reel. Lined up for a 46-yarder, kicker Younghoe Koo went to strike the ball-only to plant his foot into the turf behind it.
No contact. No kick.
Just a whole lot of confusion. Punter Jamie Gillan scrambled to salvage the play, but was quickly brought down by Patriots defender Jeremiah Pharms.
Because Koo never actually touched the ball, the play won’t go down as a missed field goal. Instead, it’s officially recorded as a sack on Gillan. But no matter how you slice it, it was a momentum-killer-and the Patriots didn’t waste any time turning that chaos into points.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye continued to look composed and confident, throwing his second touchdown of the night shortly after the botched kick. This one went to Kyle Williams and pushed the Patriots’ lead to 24-7. Maye’s poise and precision have been on full display, and New England has owned every phase of the game so far-offense, defense, and special teams.
This game also marked the return of Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, who was back under center after missing time due to a concussion suffered against the Bears. He sat out the next two games-tight losses to the Packers and Lions-and while his return was a welcome sight, it hasn’t been enough to steady the ship. The Giants have struggled to find rhythm, and Dart’s presence hasn’t yet translated to points on the board or consistency in execution.
At this point, it’s not just about the scoreboard. The Patriots are setting the tone physically and mentally, while the Giants are still trying to find their footing.
If the Giants hope to claw their way back into this one, they’ll need to clean up the miscues-and fast. Because right now, New England looks locked in and ready to put this game away early.