With one game remaining before their Week 14 bye, the Giants will travel to Foxborough for a matchup against the Patriots on Monday Night Football.
The Giants went on the road and took the Lions to overtime, but ended up dropping their sixth consecutive game by a score of 34-27. The loss concluded the Giants' three-game stretch against the NFC North, all of which ended in one-score defeats.
While the Giants' season has trended in one direction, the Patriots' has gone the other way. New England won their ninth straight game this past weekend as they went to Cincinnati and picked up a 26-20 victory.
The Giants have split their two primetime games this season, losing at home to the Chiefs in Week 3 before defeating the Eagles at MetLife Stadium in Week 6. The Patriots are 2-0 this year under the bright lights with wins in Buffalo in Week 5 and at home against the Jets in Week 11.
Both teams will take their bye in Week 14.
Here are storylines to follow in the Week 14 primetime matchup.
Bullen takes over as DC
Interim head coach Mike Kafka made his first significant shakeup to the coaching staff on Monday with the dismissal of defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. Outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen will take Bowen's place for the remainder of the season. The move came after the defense surrendered an average of 31.7 points during the six-game losing streak.
"I have a lot of faith in Charlie and the things that he's brought from the pedigree that he brings coming into this defense," Kafka said on Monday. "I think he's a smart coach. I think he's detailed, he's aggressive and his room has had a lot of production, and I think he's ready for the task and I know he's ready for the task. And so he's going to jump in, he's meeting with the staff right now and these guys will get rolling for him."
While this will be his first time serving as a defensive play-caller, Bullen brings a lot of experience to the role. He has coached for 18 years, including 12 seasons in the NFL, and has learned under some of the league's top defensive minds. Between his stints with the Dolphins (2012-18) and Cardinals (2019-22), Bullen spent time learning under Vance Joseph and Matt Burke, both of whom currently lead two of the league's top defensive units in Denver and Houston, respectively.
"Charlie's done a really nice job of getting everyone together, getting everyone on the same page," the interim head coach added on Wednesday. "Really a couple of good walkthroughs yesterday and today. And just talking with the staff and just the kind of cohesion of how the responsibilities are kind of being spread out. It's been pretty cool to see. And Charlie's doing a nice job leading that group."
Will Jaxson return in Week 13?
For the last two weeks, the Giants have been without starting quarterback Jaxson Dart. The rookie signal-caller suffered a concussion during the Week 10 loss in Chicago and has been working his way through the protocol ever since. Dart took a step in the right direction last week as he was able to return to the practice field. He was listed as a limited, non-contact participant for all three practices and was eventually ruled out on Friday. It remains to be seen if the 22-year-old, who upgraded to a full participant in the first practice of the week Wednesday, will return for this week's game.
"Jaxson, he's still in the protocol, but he'll get some work out there today with the group," Kafka told the media before Wednesday's practice. "I'm looking forward to that, just like similar to what he did last week."
Kafka later added, "We're still going through the protocol with him. You know, I don't want to get too far ahead, just kind of take it by today. But, you know, I'm excited for him. If he's able to go and the doctors clear him, then we'll kind of address that when we get there. But right now, you know, just focus on today and have a great practice."
With Dart sidelined, Jameis Winston has started the last two games against the Lions and Packers. The offense did not skip a beat with Winston under center as the unit averaged 23.5 points against two tough defenses. Winston has completed 37 of 65 pass attempts for 567 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while taking only three sacks. The veteran has also added a touchdown on the ground and an impressive touchdown catch on a trick play.
This past weekend in Detroit, Winston became just the second player since 1960 to throw for 350+ yards, two or more touchdowns and catch a touchdown in a game, joining Matt Ryan (2018). His average of 13.6 air yards per completion was the highest mark in a game since Week 1 of the 2024 season, while his 211 passing yards when pressured were the second-most by any player this year. Winston's performance led to him being nominated for FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week.
Slowing down Drake Maye
The Patriots finished with a 4-13 record last season, due in part to a bottom 3 offense in both points and yards. New England has made a massive jump in 2025, with the team boasting the league's best record at 10-2 record, the No. 1 seed in the AFC and a top 8 offense in terms of both points and yards. While no one person can take all of the credit for this monumental improvement, a significant reason has been the growth and development of Drake Maye.
Across 13 games (12 starts) as a rookie last year, Maye completed 66.6 percent of his passes for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for an 88.1 passer rating. Through the first 12 games of this season, the second-year quarterback leads the NFL with 3,130 passing yards and a 71.0 completion percentage, while his 21 passing touchdowns rank fourth and his 110.7 passer rating is the third-highest in the league. Maye has also added 307 yards and an additional two touchdowns on the ground as he's firmly planted himself in the MVP conversation.
"Drake's been very impressive in year two," said Kafka. "You saw him make that jump. He's operating at a high level. He's creating explosives, things that we saw on tape. And sure, we enjoyed watching him on tape, and he's doing a nice job for them, and I think it's really cool to see him play that well."
Maye has thrown just one touchdown pass in each of the last two games, but this came after a stretch of five consecutive games with multiple touchdown passes. In last week's win over the Bengals, he completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 294 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Maye has also taken only one sack in each of his last three games, but was sacked six times in both Weeks 8 and 9. His 37 sacks taken are the sixth-most in the NFL, and the Patriots will now likely be without their starting left tackle (Will Campbell) and left guard (Jared Wilson) on Monday after both linemen suffered injuries in last week's win.
Rare photos from the storied history between the New York Giants and New England Patriots.
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) reacts after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the third quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz.
New York Giants Ron Johnson, center, is stopped for a 12-yard gain by Boston Patriots Mel Witt (71) in the first quarter at Harvard Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 18, 1970, Boston, Mass. The rest of the players are unidentified. (AP Photo)
Boston Patriots quarterback Joe Kapp (11) is stopped by New York Giants Ken Parker (26), and Ralph Heck (55), as he tried to leap over Parker in first quarter at Harvard Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 18, 1970, Boston, Mass. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Charles Way (30) goes airborne after being tackled by New England Patriots Teddy Bruschi during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File)
New York Giants safety Curry Burns (29) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Bethel Johnson (81) during third quarter action of their pre-season game in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday night, Sept. 1, 2005. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) cuts through a hole in the line as he evades the grasp of New England Patriots corner back Randall Gay (21) during their pre-season game against in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday night, Sept. 1, 2005. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New England Patriots number two quarterback Doug Flutie calls signals during the pre-season game against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005. The Giants defeated the Patriots 27-3. (AP Photo/Robert E. Klein)
New York Giants tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (82) goes head over heels after being tackled by New England Patriots Ty Law, left, second quarter at Gillette Stadium Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003 in Foxboro, Mass. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003, in Foxboro, Mass. (AP Photo/Chitose Suzuki)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress pulls down a 52-yard pass from quarterback Eli Manning against New England Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs III (27) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Amani Toomer on a 19-yard pass from quarterback Eli Manning during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is congratulated by Jared Lorenzen after throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Boss during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi (54) attempts to stop New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs as he scores on a 7-yard pass from quarterback Eli Manning during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after throwing a 7-yard touchdown pass to running back Brandon Jacobs against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick., right, is congratulated by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan after the Patriots 38-35 victory over the Giants in their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. The Patriots became the first team to go 16-0 in the regular season and the first since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to go through a full schedule without a loss. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Domenik Hixon points to fans after scoring on a 74-yard kick return against the New England Patriots during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss (81), covered by New York Giants linebacker Gerris Wilkinson, misses a pass thrown in the end zone by quarterback Tom Brady during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree (85) catches a 32 yard pass while in the clutches of New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) and James Sanders (36) during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Gene Puskar)
New England Patriots players and the New York Giants players take the field during the second quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan holds the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 to win the Super Bowl XLII football game in Glendale, Ariz, on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants fans celebrate after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants' Plaxico Burress, left, catches the game-winning touchdown pass in front of New England Patriots' Ellis Hobbs III during the final minute of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is doused by his player Madison Hedgecock after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy alongside Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, right, and Terry Bradshaw after the Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress, left, scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk (33) runs for yardage as he is surrounded by New York Giants Antonio Pierce (58), Michael Johnson (43), and Gibril Wilson (28) during the third quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree, front right, celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) dives on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the second quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Brady was sacked on the play. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure from the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree (85) makes a 32-yard reception as New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) defends during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure and passes downfield against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) strips the football from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure from the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, right, admires the Vince Lombardi Trophy with broadcaster Terry Bradshaw after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree (85) celebrates with quarterback Eli Manning after his 5-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after fumbling the ball in the second quarter against the New York Giants during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress (17) celebrates after scoring the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Giants' 17-14 win over the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants receiver David Tyree (85) celebrates his 5-yard touchdown catch with teammates, including Ahmad Bradshaw, left, during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) reacts after throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to receiver David Tyree in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. At left is the Patriots' Mike Vrabel. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress (17) jumps for the ball against New England Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs (27) and James Sanders during the first quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The pass fell incomplete. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and head coach Tom Coughlin celebrate after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates with his coach Tom Coughlin after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) reacts after throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to receiver David Tyree in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants defenders Osi Umenyiora (72) and Justin Tuck (91) force New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) to fumble in the second quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants recovered he bal. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs is alone as he runs into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Foxborough, Mass.. Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots' Wes Welker is sandwiched by New York Giants' Kenny Phillips, right, and New York Giants' Spencer Paysinger during the second half of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The New England Patriots and the New York Giants prepare for the snap at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter of New York's 24-20 win in a NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, right, and wide receiver Mario Manningham celebrates a touchdown in front of New England Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington (24) during the fourth quarter of New York's 24-20 win in a NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
The New England Patriots play against the New York Giants in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New York Giants' Eli Manning passes at the line of scrimmage during the second half of an NFL football game against New England Patriots' Andre Carter in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots' Julian Edelman flies through the air on a hit against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL football in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard (85) catches and holds on to the winning touchdown against New England Patriots linebacker Tracy White, right, in the last minute of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. The Giants won 24-20. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
New England Patriots' Zoltan Mesko, left, kicks the ball as he is pressured by New York Giants' Devin Thomas, right, during the second half of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants' Eli Manning reacts to a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants tight end Jake Ballard (85) makes the reception in front of New England Patriots linebacker Tracy White (58) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. Ballard had a touchdown reception later on the drive, as the Giants won 24-20. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski fails to make the catch against New York Giants' Deon Grant during the second half of an NFL football in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants outside linebacker Michael Boley gets his hand on the wrist of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) to cause him to fumble in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. The Giants recovered the ball, setting up a subsequent touchdown. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Jake Ballard in the last minute of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots 24-20. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New York Giants' Eli Manning, right, is congratulated by New England Patriots' Tom Brady after the Giants' 24-20 win in an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is taken down by New England Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty (32)in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady reacts after New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn intercepted Brady's pass intended for tight end Rob Gronkowski during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, right, hands the the Vince Lombardi Trophy over to New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, after the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won 21-17. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
El quarterback Eli Manning (10) de los Giants de Nueva York festeja tras enviar un pase de touchdown durante la primera mitad del Super Bowl XLVI frente a los Patriots de Nueva Inglaterra, el domingo 5 de febrero de 2012, en Indianápolis. (Foto AP/David Duprey)
New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn (93) intercepts a pass from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady as Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) looks on NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) reacts after making a catch as New England Patriots middle linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) looks on during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz celebrates after catching a 2-yard touchdown pass during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
FILE- In this Feb. 5, 2012, file photo, New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after their 21-17 win against the new England Patrios in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis. When Giants players look at the first-ever AP Pro32 rankings released by The Associated Press this week, they will have more ammunition for their inferiority complex. For those of you wondering why the NFL champions would feel that way, simply checking out the poll, which has the Giants third behind Green Bay and New England. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) points out the defensive coverage against the New England Patriots during the first half of the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb.5, 2012, in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz scores a first quarter touchdown during NFL Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis (AP Photo/EvanPinkus)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 05: Victor Cruz #80 of the New York Giants dances the salsa during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012.(AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27), defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72), linebacker Michael Boley (59) and cornerback Corey Webster (23) take the field before playing the New England Patriots in the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb.5, 2012, in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants players including wide receiver Victor Cruz, left, and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, right, celebrate their team's 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND EDITIONS, MARCH 10-11 - FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2012, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a pass ahead of New England Patriots defensive back Sterling Moore, center, and safety Patrick Chung, left, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis. A week after a record 21 players were given franchise tags, the NFL's free agency free-for-all begins. As the the No. 3 receiver in the Meadowlands behind Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, Manningham's contract situation is in a tenuous position despite his Super Bowl credentials. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) and kicker Lawrence Tynes (9) celebrate with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Giants' 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New York Giants long snapper Zak DeOssie (51) celebrates after his team's 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning reacts with defensive end Justin Tuck, right, after their team's 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy while celebrating his team's 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz holds the the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Giants' 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, turns away after greeting New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin after the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won 21-17. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch for a touchdown as New England Patriots safety James Ihedigbo (44) defends during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning reacts in the closing minutes of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won 21-17. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) does a "ninja bow" after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half of the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb.5, 2012, in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) takes part in a week 6 regular season game against the New England Patriots on Thursday October 10th, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts
QB Daniel Jones (8)
The New England Patriots and the New York Giants line up for the snap at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
The New England Patriots and the New York Giants line up for the snap at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones passes against the New England Patriots during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, center, throws a touchdown pass to Golden Tate in the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) takes part a week 6 regular season game against the New England Patriots on Thursday October 10th, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts
New York Giants linebacker Oshane Ximines (53) during a preseason game against the New England Patriots on Sunday August 29th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Evan Neal (73), Mark Glowinski (64)
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a preseason game against the New England Patriots on Sunday August 29th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) takes part in a week 6 regular season game against the New England Patriots on Thursday October 10th, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during a preseason game against the New England Patriots on Sunday August 29th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Xavier McKinney (29)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (28) during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
Darrian Beavers (41)
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) during a week 12 NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, November 28, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
OT Andrew Thomas (78)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
QB Tommy DeVito (15)
ILB Micah McFadden (41)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a week 12 NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, November 28, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Evan Pinkus / New York Giants)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
Attacking Mike Vrabel's defense
It's not just the Patriots offense that's carrying its weight this season. The defense heads into this Week 13 matchup also ranking top 8 in both points and yards allowed, led by one of the league's elite run defenses. The Patriots have allowed just 87.7 rushing yards per game this year, second only behind the Jaguars (83.8 yards), while the unit's four rushing touchdowns given up are the fewest in the NFL.
Bengals running back Chase Brown put together the best performance against the Patriots run defense this past week. Brown totaled 19 carries for 107 yards, the highest yardage total New England has allowed to a running back all season, while adding another 23 yards on two receptions. Prior to this outing, no running back had rushed for more than 58 yards against the Patriots defense all season. This included games against Ashton Jeanty, De'Von Achane, James Cook and Bijan Robinson, among numerous other talented backs.
While they've limited running backs on the ground, the Patriots have struggled to slow down running backs in the passing game. New England has allowed 65 receptions to the position this season, the second-most in the league, while their 410 receiving yards to RBs rank 10th.
Whether it's Jaxson Dart or Jameis Winston under center, the Giants will have to attack this Patriots defense through the air on Monday. The pass defense enters this matchup ranking 17th in yards allowed and 21st in touchdowns. While they have done a great job the last two weeks, it has come against Joe Flacco and Justin Fields. In the two games prior to Week 11, Baker Mayfield threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns while Michael Penix finished with 221 yards and three touchdowns.
Other injury updates
Kafka provided updates on a few key defensive players Wednesday, starting with defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence. The veteran lineman missed some time in last week's game in Detroit, which the interim head coach told reporters Wednesday was due to an injury to the same elbow that cut his 2024 campaign short. Kafka said Lawrence is rehabbing the injury and doing what he can in order to be ready for Monday's game, but only time will tell if he will be ready or not.
"Just let him work through the rehab process," Kafka said about Lawrence. "He's a vet that's taking care of his body. We just want to be smart with him."
Two other defenders were sidelined for the first practice of the week. Outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux has yet to take the practice field since suffering a shoulder injury in the team's Week 10 loss to the Bears. Thibodeaux has missed the last two games and his status for Week 13 is up in the air.
Inside linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles has been thrust into a larger role over the last month due to various injuries at inside linebacker. The veteran linebacker has started each of the last three games and performed well next to Bobby Okereke. However, Flannigan-Fowles suffered a neck injury last week and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. He joined Lawrence and Thibodeaux on the sideline for Wednesday's practice.
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