Bailey Zappe of the Patriots challenges the New York Giants, saying, “I dare you, Giants.”

Here are three reasons why the Patriots were defeated by the New York Giants.

It appears so after the Patriots benched Brady for the fourth time this season on Sunday.

Jones started his 11th game of the season inside MetLife Stadium, after much speculation about who would start. After going 12-of-21 for 89 yards with two interceptions and a fumble in the first half, the third-year player was benched to start the second half.

With Jones at the helm, the Patriots offense scored zero points. That changed when Bailey Zappe was introduced into the game. The backup quarterback immediately led the Patriots to a touchdown drive, giving this low-scoring game new life on Sunday.

The momentum did not last long. Soon after, Zappe threw a tough interception, giving the Giants a slim fourth-quarter lead. With 3:15 remaining, the offense took over at the 50-yard line, trailing 10-7. This was Zappe’s chance to lead the Patriots to a much-needed fourth-quarter comeback.

Instead, the Patriots were dealt yet another setback. Chad Ryland missed a game-tying 35-yard field goal with six seconds remaining. This resulted in a demoralizing 10-7 loss to the Giants, dropping the Patriots to 2-9 on the season.

After a difficult first half, Mac Jones was benched.

The Patriots started the game with the same quarterback after a week of speculation. Their first drive was unimpressive. Following a defensive turnover, the Patriots ran two 8-yard runs. David Andrews botched the snap on third-and-2, but the Patriots were called for a delay of game. Jones’ pass attempt on third down was easily intercepted by Adoree’ Jackson.

The Patriots offense had more success on the second drive, but no points were scored. Jones got things going with a 19-yard pass to DeVante Parker. Rhamondre Stevenson then led the group across midfield. They stalled at the 37-yard line, however, and punted instead of attempting a 54-yard field goal.

Jones fell apart in the Patriots’ third series. Following a first down, the Giants pressured Jones in the pocket, and the Patriots quarterback was intercepted on a questionable throw by Deonte Banks. Jones attempted to hit Demario Douglas, but the receiver was surrounded by three Giants, resulting in an easy interception with nine seconds left in the first quarter.

Following the interception, Jones remained in the game, but the Patriots offense went three-and-out on their next drive.

It happened again in the fifth series. The Patriots offense was on fire, with Jones completing several nice passes to get the team to the 23-yard line. Then, at 4:39 of the second quarter, the Patriots quarterback felt pressure again and threw a game-winning interception. It was awarded to Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke this time. This appeared to be a pick-6, but Jones ran back with help from guard Sidy Sow to stop Okereke.

Jones remained in the game after his second turnover, and the results were not favorable. Jones was strip-sacked on third down, and the Patriots went three-and-out. Cole Strange, on the other hand, recovered the ball.

Bailey Zappe struggled, and Chad Ryland was unable to start the second half for the Patriots. This move was intended to kickstart the offense, as Zappe’s first drive resulted in the Patriots’ first touchdown.

Zappe finished the series 6-for-6 for 38 yards. He mostly threw screen passes, but it was effective. A 15-yard screen pass to Tyquan Thornton gained 15 yards, setting up a first-and-goal situation from the 7-yard line. At 8:02 of the third quarter, Rhamondre Stevenson ran in for a 7-yard touchdown to tie the game, 7-7.

Zappe’s second drive began with a first down on a 13-yard run by Ezekiel Elliott, but the team punted four plays later.

At 12:40 of the third quarter, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw a difficult interception. Following a first down, Zappe attempted to hit JuJu Smith-Schuster, but the receiver was surrounded by three defenders, and Xavier McKinney intercepted the pass.

The next drive also did not go well for Zappe and the offense. After three consecutive runs, Zappe had a screen pass deflected and was sacked on third down.

With 3:15 remaining on the clock, the Patriots began the next drive at midfield, thanks to a nice punt return by Myles Bryant. Okereke deflected Zappe’s third-and-4 attempt at the 44 to set up fourth down. Zappe connected with JuJu Smith-Schuster for a 5-yard gain on fourth-and-4.

Stevenson then ran for 13 yards to the 22-yard line. Chad Ryland had a chance to tie the game with a 35-yard field goal, but he missed with six seconds left on the clock.

The defense stood firm.
The most difficult aspect of Sunday’s game for the Patriots defense was having to play with the Patriots offense.

The Giants came out strong, but their first drive ended in a turnover. New York quickly moved downfield after a 14-yard run by Saquon Barkley and a 29-yard pass from Tommy DeVito to Jalin Hyatt on their first drive. However, DeVito fumbled a snap at 12:33 of the first quarter, and Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers recovered the ball.

DeVito began the second drive with a 22-yard pass, but the Giants’ series was over when Peppers sacked the quarterback for a seven-yard loss. On third down, Christian Barmore deflected a DeVito pass at the line of scrimmage to end New York’s third drive.

The fourth Giants series followed a similar pattern. The Patriots defense forced another punt after Jones’ interception. This happened on third down when Mack Wilson deflected a DeVito pass. The following series in New York was a three-and-out.

Jones’ second interception broke the shutout. The Giants took over at the 26-yard line, and on third-and-12, DeVito connected with Isaiah Hodgins for a 12-yard touchdown at 1:52 of the second quarter, giving New York a 7-0 lead.

On third-and-16 in the third quarter, DeVito hit Hyatt for a 41-yard gain to cross midfield. Keion White, on the other hand, recorded his first NFL sack when he dropped the Giants quarterback for an eight-yard loss. This put New York out of field goal range, and the score remained 7-7.

The Giants’ next scoring opportunity came as a result of Zappe’s first interception. This put New York 32 yards from the end zone. Randy Bullock converted another Giants turnover into points with a 42-yard field goal. New York led 10-7 with 8:09 remaining.