The New England Patriots, the group the New York Giants face on Monday evening, is an intriguing group the Giants wish to emulate with a 2026 turnaround. Let’s study extra in regards to the Patriots on this week’s ‘5 questions’ section. Taylor Kyles of SB Nation’s Pats Pulpit is our huckleberry this week.
Ed: If somebody had informed you at the start of the season that the Patriots could be 10-2 and nearly sure to win the AFC East, would you’ve believed them? Are Patriots followers nonetheless questioning if what they’re seeing is actual?
Taylor: I truly predicted a 13-4 season for the Patriots primarily based on their energy of schedule, however the high quality of play has been extra spectacular than I anticipated. Mike Vrabel’s expertise and credibility have been invaluable in his first season. Gamers rapidly purchased into his message and hands-on method, and there’s a particular bond on this group that veteran Carlton Davis stated is not like something he’s skilled as a professional.
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Drake Maye’s improved pocket presence and eye self-discipline, Josh McDaniels’ quarterback-friendly scheme, and a much-improved supporting forged have elevated Maye from a promising rookie to a reliable MVP candidate. He hasn’t been good, the group as a complete has its justifiable share of weaknesses, however New England appears nicely forward of schedule.
Ed: Is that this all about Mike Vrabel? I take a look at the Patriots as a group that the Giants wish to mannequin themselves after. A group that finds the precise coach and takes a giant leap subsequent season.
Taylor: Starting his tenure with Maye at quarterback actually helped, however Vrabel additionally assembled a powerful teaching employees, helped re-shaped the roster, and put his fingerprint on the group from day one. It’s additionally unimaginable to disregard how a group that persistently discovered methods to lose the previous couple of years has carried out the alternative in Vrabel’s first season. I can’t say whether or not one other coach having early success would or wouldn’t have labored on this state of affairs, however each groups are shining examples of how rapidly the precise head coach (and a younger franchise quarterback) can flip issues round.
Ed: If you happen to may take one participant off the Giants’ roster and put him in New England’s lineup, who would it not be? Why?
Taylor: This may be dishonest, however Drake Maye and a wholesome Malik Nabers has Corridor of Fame connection written throughout it. Whereas Kayshon Boutte has been a superb deep menace for the Patriots, Nabers is the kind of particular expertise and prototypical boundary receiver that Maye would thrive with. I’m unsure how a lot opposing defenses may do to maintain them quiet for a full sport.
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Ed: After the entire hysteria about Jayden Daniels final yr I believe you may make the case that Drake Maye may find yourself being the perfect QB from the 2024 class (BTW, we will nonetheless be mad the Patriots wouldn’t commerce the Giants the No. 3 decide). How good has Maye been? How significantly better can he be?
Taylor: Regardless of what Brian Burns might imagine, Drake’s processing have been very spectacular for his age and expertise. The large arm and athleticism make the headlines, however he additionally sniffs out most disguises, strikes defenders along with his eyes and physique, and is persistently enhancing as a pocket passer. Maye’s struggled with holding the ball and taking pointless sacks/hit at instances, however he’s proven vital development in that space in latest weeks.
Transferring ahead, quicker begins and defending the soccer are the most important areas the place Maye should enhance. He couldn’t hit the broad signal of a barn early final week earlier than locking in mid-game, and he has but to indicate he can go a number of video games and not using a turnover-worthy play. That stated, it comes with the territory when watching an uber-talented younger passer study what he can and may’t get away with, and the maturity he’s proven to adapt and enhance suggests he may develop into a perennial All-Professional candidate as soon as the dangerous habits are ironed out.
Ed: The Giants don’t win street video games. They don’t win after they take a lead. Their two wins this yr, although, got here towards actually good groups within the Chargers and Eagles. In the event that they had been to in some way upset New England on Monday, what’s that going to should appear to be?
Taylor:
1. Follow the bottom sport. The Patriots have gone from a historic run protection to one of many league’s worst previously 4 video games. If New York is keen to remain disciplined, it may preserve the Patriots’ offense sidelined and drain beneficial day without work the clock.
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2. Assault linebackers and safeties in protection. The backbone of the Patriots’ protection is wise and aggressive, however most of their linebackers are common athletes, and rookie Craig Woodson lacks the size to persistently disrupt the catch-point.
3. End. The Patriots have needed to win shut not too long ago, typically thanks partly to missed alternatives by their opponents. If New York takes benefit of dangerous soccer, they’ll have an actual shot at an upset towards a banged up Patriots group.
