Five Takeaways From Patriots' Win Over Giants

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have impressively continued their winning ways against the New York Giants in a Week 13 showdown at Gillette Stadium.

With their 33-15 victory over New York this week, the Patriots have secured their 11th win of the season while also extending their winning streak to 10 straight. In the process, they have only further solidified their places atop both the conference and the division, heading into a much-needed and well-deserved bye week.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 24-of-31 passes for 282 yards, with two touchdowns in another stellar effort, which continues to draw “MVP” chants from the Foxborough Faithful in attendance. Conversely, Giants rookie Jaxson Dart went 17-of-24 for 139 yards and one touchdown in a losing effort.

In that vein, here are five key takeaways from the Week 13 action at Gillette Stadium.

What MVP Dreams Maye Come?

With each passing week, Maye seemingly strengthens his case as the NFL’s top player this season. On his first touchdown drive of this Week 13 matchup, the 23-year-old led his team 61 yards on five plays, highlighted by a 36-yard completion to tight end Hunter Henry. The Pats’ starter next found receiver Boutte on a short right pass for a three-yard score.

In the second quarter, Maye led his team on a five-play, 58-yard drive, capped by a perfectly-placed 33-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Kyle Williams. Maye’s touchdown pass to Williams was not only aesthetically pleasing, but it was also his 11th against the blitz this season. His 11 touchdowns against the blitz, per ESPN Stats, are tied with franchise legend Tom Brady (2016) for most in a season by a Patriots quarterback over the last 10 seasons.

Perhaps most revered for his elite arm strength, the 6-foot-4, 225-pounder also possesses the velocity and touch on the ball to make any throw required of him. Maye has also been equally touted for his exceptional athleticism, highlighted by his ability to be an effective weapon on the ground. Based on his performance in Week 13, Maye is giving Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford as much competition as possible for the NFL’s MVP race.

Marcus Jones is the Most Dynamic Return Man in the NFL

Marcus Jones has arguably been one of New England’s best defensive players this season. However, he has proven his case to be the league’s most potent returner beyond a reasonable doubt.

Jones returned New York punter Jamie Gillian’s punt 94 yards for the touchdown — his second of the season. With the score, Jones tied Julian Edelman (Jan. 2, 2011) for the team record for longest punt return, while also becoming the fourth player in team history to return two or more punts for a score in a season.

Jones is one of the NFL's best punt returners. Following the team’s 42-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 3, Jones was named the AFC's Special Teams Player of the Week — due largely in part to his 87-yard punt return touchdown, as well as a 61-yard return which helped facilitate another New England score.

The former Houston Cougar entered this matchup averaging 14.6 yards per punt return, while compiling 234 return yards this season. Accordingly, Jones is justly being recognized as one of the key contributors to the Pats’ 11-2 record this season.