After losing two starters along the offensive line last week in Cincinnati, the New England Patriots’ offense can still get back on track this week against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. It’s going to be easier said than done, as this defense will offer New England a challenge despite not reflecting in the rankings.
The Patriots have struggled all season to establish any semblance of a consistent run game, but Week 13 could finally be the week for the run game to get ignited moving forward for the season, with the Giants having the worst run defense in the NFL this season, allowing 157.2 rushing yards per game as of Sunday afternoon.
That said, the Giants do have elite players on their defense with Bobby Okereke, Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, and rookie Abdul Carter. Despite what the team record is and what certain metrics read on this defense overall, there are some of the league’s best defenders on this team.
- Bobby Okereke: 107 tackles (5th)
- Brian Burns: 13.0 sacks (2nd)
- Abdul Carter: 17% pass rush win rate (10th)
It’s not going to be easy by any means, but this is a game that the Patriots can use to get back on track against some elite competition. Getting the running game to a place of reliability and comfort should be essential for New England as they embark on what should be a deep playoff run led by a second-year quarterback in Drake Maye.
Giants Matchup Is Exactly What Patriots' Offense Needs
Maye is performing at a high level this season and is in the running for the MVP. He’s been capable of moving the offense down the field with precision in his throws and with the confidence needed to run the offense. But what Maye needs is a stronger run game to score touchdowns when they’re in the red zone, which has been an abysmal task for them this season.
As the season has progressed, the Patriots have shied away from calling various run concepts within different personnel packages. Although the Patriots had success earlier in the season running out of 21 personnel and 22 personnel, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels hasn’t called much of it since Week 4.
Adding more variety to the run game offense is how the Patriots can revitalize it moving forward for the rest of the season, and it can start this week against the Giants.
Over the course of the season, the Giants struggle the most when a running back handles upwards of 14 rushing attempts. Since Week 7, New York has seen five running backs handle at least 14 carries over their last six games, which resulted in huge games for these running backs.
- Week 7: J.K. Dobbins- 14 carries, 81 yards
- Week 8: Saquon Barkley- 14 carries, 150 yards
- Week 9: Christian McCaffrey- 28 carries, 106 yards
- Week 10: D’Andre Swift- 13 carries, 80 yards
- Week 11: Emanuel Wilson- 11 carries, 40 yards
- Week 12: Jahmyr Gibbs- 15 carries, 219 yards
Teams have been successful using this formula to attack the Giants on the ground. That said, since Week 8, rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson has seen an increased workload in the run game, totaling 75 rushing attempts for 405 yards and four touchdowns over the last five weeks. And since Week 9, Henderson has had at least 14 rushing attempts in each game.
- Week 8: 10 carries, 75 yards
- Week 9: 14 carries, 55 yards
- Week 10: 14 carries, 147 yards
- Week 11: 19 carries, 62 yards
- Week 12: 18 carries, 66 yards
Henderson’s workload increased due to depth and managing injuries at the position. However, he is the most talented running back on the team, and he was drafted highly with the expectations that he will be a game-changer for the Patriots.
Patriots Need to Lean On Veteran OL For Run Game Success
With the starting left side of the offensive line injured and unavailable, it’s obvious that the strong side is now the right side behind veterans Morgan Moses and Mike Onwenu. However, Moses has a 79% run block win rate, which is tied for sixth in the NFL this season, according to ESPN heading into Week 13.
The best chance at establishing the run game is going to be by running behind Moses, using him as a fulcrum for the run game. It should work out successfully, according to the stats, and it will be a good thing for this group to consider scheming for and building upon during their upcoming Week 14 bye week.
Maye has been great this season, but he could be even better with an improved run game operating behind him. Incorporating various personnel packages against the Giants can be what the Patriots' offense needs to get the run game going.