Even though the New England Patriots lost their preseason finale to the New York Giants 18-17 Thursday night at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, overall it wasn’t too bad an effort by a mix of players, some starters and some of the young guys looking to make the team.
There are still things to work on but come this weekend once the roster is paired down to the official 53-man roster and the practice squad players are signed things will finally fall into place to for good.
The Patriots jumped out to an impressive start again the Giants in the final preseason game when LB Rob Ninkovich forced a fumble on the Giants first offensive play and Patrick Chung recovered it. Shortly there after RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis punched it in from one yard out and it was quickly 7-0 New England.
Newly acquired DT Albert Haynesworth started and played in his first game as a Patriot as did DE Shaun Ellis. Both made some impact as Haynesworth got involved with a nice tackle in the second series and just before the end of the half Ellis got a 7-yard sack of Giants QB David Carr.
QB Tom Brady showed he is in regular season form and looking to defend his MVP award when he connected with WR Matthew Slater on a 64-yard catch and run. It set up a field goal by Stephen Gostkowski that gave New England a 10-0.
The Giants responded with a 55-yard field goal from Rhys Lloyd to cut the lead to 10-3 heading into the second quarter.
Brady wasn’t long for the game as back up Brian Hoyer replaced him with 7 minutes to play in the second quarter. Brady played 18 snaps in his final tune up.
To continue reading, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
Hoyer led the team on another scoring drive capped by a second 1-yard TD run by “The Lawfirm” to give the Patriots a 17-3 lead at the half.
Rookie QB Ryan Mallett saw some game time entering for Hoyer with 4:25 left in the third quarter. Hoyer played 14 snaps after replacing Brady including taking a big hot and fumbling but he did recover the ball and remained in the game.
Da’Rel Scott went on a 65-yard scoring romp for the Giants early in the 4th as New York cut the New England lead to 17-10 with 14:50 left to play in the game.
Giants scored in the fourth quarter on an 11-yard fumble recovery by Derrick Martin to take an 18-17 lead with just over 9 minutes left in the game. They got that lead when head coach Tom Coughlin decided to go for two after the defensive score. Ryan Perrilloux threw the conversion pass to Jerrel Jernigan to give New York the lead.
Overall this was a good performance for the Patriots as they looked to build momentum for the regular season. The top units got some time, stayed healthy and made some plays and all is well in Foxboro.
Game Notes
The spread (Patriots minus 7 ½) was not covered, as was the over/under (40).
WR Wes Welker was on the field in uniform for pregame warm ups r days after hurting his neck making a tackle in Detroit.
CB Antwaun Molden who was claimed on waiver yesterday is wearing #36 previously worn by James Sanders.
The starting front four on the defensive line for the Patriots was DE Shaun Ellis, DT Albert Haynesworth, DT Vince Wilfork and DE Andre Carter.
Rookie Ras-I Dowling started at RCB.
LB Niko Koutouvides was looked at on the sideline and was being given a concussion test after a shot to the head.
P Zoltan Mesko hurt his left hand making a tackle on a punt in the first quarter. He returned.
LB Brandon Spikes among the players not dressed for the game.
Haynesworth played 16 snaps in the first half.
Rookie RB Shane Vereen saw his first game action as a Patriot.
Rookie OL Nate Solder saw every offensive snap through the first three-quarters. After starting at right guard he flipped to the left side with the second unit.
S Brandon Meriweather saw his most playing time of the preseason. All in the second half he saw time in the secondary mostly with the second team and guys who won’t be here come Sunday.
Patriots had three takeaways (1 INT, 2 fumbles) and 1 giveaways (0 INT, 1 fumble).
Next Game
The Patriots visit the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on Monday September 12 in the 2011 Season Opener. Kick off is at 7 p.m. on ESPN
Follow Steve on Twitter @djstevem
Photo credit: AP Photo
