As the New England Patriots prepare to face the New York Giants on “Monday Night Football,” star receiver Stefon Diggs emphasizes the importance of respect for their opponents. Despite the Giants’ struggles this season, Diggs recognizes their defensive capabilities.
Game Overview
Scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN, this Week 13 game features two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum. The New England Patriots stand at 10-2, vying for the top seed in the AFC, while the New York Giants are struggling with a 2-10 record and have been eliminated from playoff contention.
Defensive Insights
- Stefon Diggs highlighted the Giants’ defense, stating, “We’ve got to prepare the right way because this is a damn good defense.”
- Despite their ranking, the Giants’ defensive unit has shown flashes of potential, particularly with players like Brian Burns, who has accumulated 13 sacks and two forced fumbles this season.
Although the Giants rank 30th in the league, allowing an average of 385.0 yards and 27.8 points per game, Diggs is cautious. He believes that overlooking them would be a mistake. The Giants have been prone to losing leads, as seen in their recent 34-27 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions.
Offensive Matchup
For New England, Monday night presents an opportunity for their backfield duo, TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson, to shine against a vulnerable Giants run defense. New York permits the most rushing yards in the NFL, averaging 157.2 yards per game along with 5.9 yards per carry.
While Kayvon Thibodeaux will be sidelined due to a shoulder injury, the Giants could soon benefit from further reinforcements with No. 3 pick Abdul Carter potentially joining the lineup.
As the Patriots gear up to take the field, the focus remains on leveraging their strengths while respecting the capabilities of their opponents, particularly in a primetime setting.
