Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones's interception return for a touchdown was an early turning point in Sunday's win over the Bengals.
Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones's interception return for a touchdown was an early turning point in Sunday's win over the Bengals.Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
Let’s take a look at who’s up, who’s down, and whom to watch ahead of Monday night’s Patriots-Giants game . . .
Three up
Cornerback Marcus Jones: Midway through the second quarter of Sunday’s win over the Bengals, with the Patriots trailing by 3, Jones cut off Joe Flacco’s pass intended for running back Tahj Brooks and intercepted it for a touchdown. The pick-6 was much-needed, proving to be an early turning point. Jones played a season-high 44 snaps out of the slot, which is the best fit for him, and earned his best coverage grade of the year, according to Pro Football Focus. Even though he still has his defensive struggles, especially when matched up against bigger players, Jones continues to show he is deserving of the contract extension he signed in October.
Kicker Andy Borregales: Borregales had his busiest day of the season, making all four of his field goal attempts — from 41, 45, 19, and 52 yards. Since missing two extra-point attempts in Week 2, Borreagles has been nearly perfect. He’s made all 31 of his extra-point attempts and 15 of his 16 field goal tries, only missing from 45 yards in Week 11. As the Patriots start to play in colder weather, they’ll need Borreagles to maintain his consistency. According to Borregales, who attended high school and college in Florida, the key will be keeping himself warm with the heaters on the sideline.
Tight end Hunter Henry: With 115 receiving yards, Henry led the team and set a career high. Reaching such a milestone in his 10th NFL season, at age 31, seems fitting for Henry. Despite five offensive coordinators over five years in New England, Henry has served as a reliable, steady presence. He’s on pace for the best statistical season of his career, which is a reflection of his strong chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye and a testament to his longevity. Said Maye, “Hunter is Mr. Consistent. He is every week.”
Three down
Goal-line offense: The Patriots ran six plays from the 1-yard line on a drive in the third quarter and failed to score a touchdown. Then, in the fourth quarter, they had another chance from the 1, but Maye wasn’t able to sneak the ball in on a weak attempt at the tush push. Between the seven plays, the Patriots tried to run the ball three times (not including the quarterback sneak) only to get stuffed every time. Khyiris Tonga’s availability, as well as Jared Wilson’s ankle injury, affected the offense’s run-blocking, but coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the need to execute better in that area of the field regardless of the personnel. TreVeyon Henderson, who operated as the lead running back throughout the game, didn’t register a single carry during that stretch, so perhaps the Patriots could consider turning to him in those short-yardage situations instead of Rhamondre Stevenson and Terrell Jennings.
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson: Making his first appearance since suffering a toe injury in Week 8, Stevenson returned with little burst. Perhaps his toe is still bothering him, but the Patriots are counting on Stevenson to serve as the big-bodied, between-the-tackles back in the aforementioned goal-line situations. He finished with just 5 yards on six carries, as Henderson took the majority of the carries and snaps out of the backfield.
Team health: The bye week can’t come soon enough for the Patriots, who left Cincinnati with a number of injuries. Wilson suffered a high ankle sprain that will sideline him at least for Monday night’s game, left tackle Will Campbell suffered an MCL sprain that will sideline him multiple games, special teams captain Brenden Schooler left Paycor Stadium in a walking boot on his left foot, and Tonga wasn’t able to finish the game because of a chest injury. The Patriots already are without defensive tackle Milton Williams (ankle), who is on injured reserve.
Three to watch
Vederian Lowe or Marcus Bryant: With Campbell out, the Patriots will start Lowe or Bryant at left tackle. Lowe has more pro experience but with mixed results, while Bryant started 39 games at the position in college (Missouri and SMU).
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart: Dart has not played the last two games because of a concussion suffered in Week 10. He did not practice in Week 11, but he returned in a limited capacity last week. Dart, who took over as the starter in Week 4, has been evaluated for a concussion four times this season. If he remains in protocol, Jameis Winston will start.
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has been evaluated for a concussion four times this season and has missed the last two games.
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has been evaluated for a concussion four times this season and has missed the last two games.Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press
Quarterback Drake Maye: Despite facing the league’s worst defense, Maye didn’t look like himself on Sunday. Maye, usually sharp and accurate, looked uncharacteristically off-target on some of his early passes, even throwing a pick-6 at the beginning of the second quarter to put the Patriots in a 10-0 hole. After the game, Maye said he didn’t feel the ball was coming out of his hand differently. He was able to find somewhat of a groove as the game went on, finishing with 294 passing yards, but the performance was shaky. The showing was a reminder of just how far Maye has come in his second year. Said Maye, “I have to do my part to help us play cleaner football and punch it in down in the red zone. I take that to heart, and I’ll be better.”
Nicole Yang can be reached at nicole.yang@globe.com. Follow her on X @nicolecyang.