New England Patriots: Studs and duds vs. Giants in Week 6

Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images
Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images /
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Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images
Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images /

Stud: Patriots defense and special teams

Although their offense will always be a key focal point when talking about and analyzing the Patriots, their defense has been stellar through six weeks as well. In the Week 6 game against New York at Gillette Stadium, New England’s defense and special team units stepped up and made it hard on the Giants all night in Foxborough.

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While allowing New York to finish with just 161 yards passing and 52 yards rushing in the contest, New England also forced the Giants into four turnovers in the victory. The Patriots recorded three interceptions out of the hands of New York quarterback Daniel Jones while blocking a punt early on in the game that was returned for a touchdown.

The Patriots defense has been stellar this season, and they once again displayed that dominance on Thursday night against the Giants.

Dud: Patriots passing game

Although the Patriots did manage to throw the ball early and often in the contest, resulting in over 300 yards through the air, they weren’t as dominant within a passing attack that has been viewed as one of the more potent units in the league up to this point.

In the passing game, New England finished with 334 yards but failed to throw for any passing touchdowns against a New York defense that allowed Minnesota’s passing game to thrive a week ago in Week 5. It wasn’t a major dud, but the Patriots passing game was somewhat of a dud on Thursday night against the Giants and is something they will continue to work on improving as the season advances.