An inside look at Monday’s Giants-Patriots NFL Week 13 matchup in Foxborough:
MARQUEE MATCHUP
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels vs. Giants defensive coordinator Charlie Bullen
Neither guy will step onto the field, making this a battle of smarts and guile.
McDaniels is renowned for his play-calling ability and for the way he can set up an opposing defense.
Bullen is all new at this, as he was promoted last week from outside linebackers coach after Shane Bowen was fired. Bullen has never made the calls on defense at any level.
“Yeah, it’s a big challenge,’’ Bullen said. “I’d say Josh McDaniels is one of the top coordinators in the history of the NFL. He’s a great play-caller and a great offensive mind. And it is a big challenge.’’
4 DOWNS
BE PREPARED
Mike Kafka is 0-2 as the interim head coach, losing one-score games to the Packers and Lions.
He has been unafraid to take risks, going for it on fourth down, eschewing field goals and signaling in gadget plays — such as wide receiver Gunner Olszewski last week throwing a touchdown pass to quarterback Jameis Winston.
“We’ll have to be ready for anything that they could possibly do,’’ Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said.
“Flea flickers, reverses, fake punts. We’ll have to be sound in all areas, and then we’ll have to defend, be prepared and try to handle anything that they could do. They’re going to try to win the football game. They’re going to try to coach their team however they feel is best for them, and put the players in the position to succeed. So, whether that’s running inside zone or quarterback throwback, whatever it may be, we’ll have to be ready for it.’’
STATS THAT
The Patriots used to reach double-digit winning seasons year in and year out. That winning well dried up after the 2021 season — that was the last time they won at least 10 games, until now.
This is an eclectic achievement, but it does show how consistent this team is. The Patriots are the second team in NFL history to compile a nine-game winning streak by scoring at least 23 points and allowing 23 or fewer points in each game. The last team to accomplish this? The 1961 Houston Oilers.
HEALED SECONDARY
Paulson Adebo returns after missing the past five games with a knee injury, adding the best cornerback on the roster to the defensive backfield.
Adebo signed a three-year, $54 million contract but did not make a significant impact in his first seven games.
Cor’Dale Flott and Deonte Banks both missed time earlier. So, this is the corner group the Giants envisioned they would have going into the season.
Stefon Diggs (61-679, 3 TD) is the main target, although tight end Hunter Henry leads the Patriots with five receiving touchdowns.
NEW MAN
This will be Dart’s first start since Brian Daboll was fired, but there should not be much of an adjustment, as Dart was accustomed to having the plays called into him by Kafka as the offensive coordinator.
“Yeah, I mean, Kaf’s been in the system for a few years now, so he understands it, obviously, like the back of his hands,’’ Dart said.
“Maybe there are a few little tweaks that you have from just like preferences as a coach may feel, but I have all the confidence in the world in Kaf and thought he’s just done a great job really this whole year.’’
PAUL’S PICK
The return of Jaxson Dart makes for interesting viewing. Does he tone down his running and his aggressive tendencies coming off a concussion? If he does, can he be equally as effective?
There is no love for the Giants in Pats country and to pull off an upset, the road team will have to be on point against an opponent that makes few mistakes and is on quite a roll. Oh, and Drake Maye is legit.
Patriots 24, Giants 19
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