New England 1st Drive:
The New England Patriots looking to establish the run early. The New York Giants haven’t been able to get pressure on Tom Brady or stop the run. Brady is moving the ball methodically down the field, and getting rid of the ball quickly. LeGarrette Blount is running hard and through Giant arm tackles. The Giants had a chance to hold the Patriots to a field goal on 3rd and 6, but Brady was able to scramble 10 yards for a first down. Brady would go on to throw a TD pass to Scott Chandler off play action to give New England a 7-0 lead. The Giants will need to get a better push from their defensive front or this game could get ugly.
New York 1st Drive:
The Giants offense showed that they were not going to be rattled by the Patriots opening drive score. Odell Beckham Jr. showed why he is one of the best in the league. On the second play of the Giants opening drive, Beckham Jr. had an 87 yard TD reception to tie the game at 7-7. The energy is electric at MetLife Stadium after the score. New York’s defense will need to feed off this energy, and push New England back.
New England 2nd Drive:
The Giants defense seems to have woken up. The Patriots were only able to gain 3 yards on a screen pass to Danny Amendola. Brady did not look as comfortable this drive as he did in the first drive. Look for the Giants to build on this three and out. The Giants also did not commit a penalty on this defensive series which is good to see.
New York 2nd Drive:
New York looked to capitalize on their defensive win the last series, but did not record a first down. The Giants run game has been non existent to start the game. This lead to a three and out for the Giants.
New England 3rd Drive:
Brady converted on a crucial 3rd and 3 to Julian Edelman for a 30 yard gain. Brady had plenty of time in the pocket to spot Edelman crossing the field. Edelman has shown up on this drive, and might be primed to have a big game in MetLife this afternoon. However, the Giants were able to get a key sack on 3rd down in the red zone. This held the Patriots to a FG, and just a three point lead (10-7).
New York 3rd Drive:
Manning has not started this drive off well. Manning had two bad in completions, before converting on 3rd down to Dwayne Harris. Myles White made a highlight catch for 28 yards that was worth taking another look at. This was all for naught, when Manning was sacked and fumbled. New England recovered the ball, and can add to their lead. Edelman was knocked out of the game on New England’s last drive, and his return has been listed as questionable with a foot injury.
New England 4th Drive:
The Patriots had a penalty that negated a big catch by Rob Gronkowski, and stalled their drive. The penalty was on Gronkowski, and forced a 3rd and 17. New York would force a punt and get the ball back with 6:59 left in the first half. New York needs to take advantage of their good field position. The Giants will start their drive on their own 46 yard line.
New York 4th Drive:
Manning and the rest of the offense seems to be getting in a rhythm, by moving the ball downfield. Orleans Darkwa has made an appearance making some tough runs. White had a chance in the end zone to put the Giants up, but was unable to secure the catch. Justin Coleman played tight defense on the play, which had fans questioning whether it was pass interference. There was no flag, and the Giants would kick a FG to tie the game at 10-10.
New England 5th Drive:
New England was able to run three plays and pick up a first down before the two minute warning. Brady usually thrives in two minute drill situations. However, the Giants secondary was able to defend Brady’s downfield throws and force a New England punt. New York will have a chance to take the lead before halftime. Manning will have 1:09 to do so.
New York 5th Drive:
Manning started the drive with a beautiful 31 yard pass to Rueben Randle. This Randle reception put the Giants on the New England 43 yard line, and in good position to score. Harris then made a big reception on 3rd and 10 to keep the Giants drive alive. Harris has really established himself as a quality receiver, and not just a special teams specialist. Will Tye made up for a drop earlier in the drive, by snagging a 31 yard reception. Tye’s reception put the Giants on the goal line, and set up New York to score a TD. Harris would go on to make a great toe drag TD catch, to put the Giants up 17-10 with 0:13 left in the first half.
Prediction:
New York continues playing good defense without committing penalties in the second half. The Giants will not commit a turnover in the second half and Odell Beckham Jr will see pay-dirt again in the second half. The Giants will win 30-24 over the Patriots.
Barry Holmes is a Feature Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732