The New England Patriots endured a rough ending to their preseason, falling hard to the New York Giants in Thursday’s finale. The 2025 season is fast approaching, but the Patriots looked anything but ready in a performance that lacked urgency and energy.
Head coach Jerod Mayo opted to rest key starters, including rookie quarterback Drake Maye, leaving roster hopefuls and projected depth players to take the spotlight. Instead of seizing the opportunity, the Patriots struggled across the board. On offense, rhythm was inconsistent, drives stalled quickly, and there was little sign of the explosiveness New England will need this fall.
The defense, however, proved most concerning. The Giants rotated quarterbacks Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston, and Tommy DeVito, and all three found success. They combined for 431 total yards, slicing through a Patriots defense that looked out of sync and vulnerable. Poor tackling and missed assignments gave the Giants room to dominate both through the air and on the ground.
For players on the roster bubble, Thursday’s effort may have sealed their fate. As the Patriots return to Foxborough to trim their roster, the preseason finale raises serious questions about the team’s depth and readiness heading into Week 1.
