**Patriots Eye 10th Straight Win Despite Injuries Ahead of Monday Night Showdown with Giants**
*FOXBOROUGH, Mass.* — The New England Patriots hold the best record in the NFL at 10-2, riding a two-month unbeaten streak. With only a matchup against one of the league’s lowest-ranked teams—the New York Giants—standing between them and their bye week, the Patriots are focused on maintaining their momentum. However, they’re not taking anything for granted heading into Monday night’s game.
### Offensive Line Takes a Hit
The Patriots will be without two starters on an offensive line that has been among the league’s most durable this season. Rookie left tackle Will Campbell exited last week’s win over Cincinnati with a knee injury and is now on injured reserve. Left guard Jared Wilson also won’t play this week due to an ankle injury.
The usual starting lineup of Campbell, Wilson, center Garrett Bradbury, right guard Mike Onwenu, and right tackle Morgan Moses has started 11 of the first 12 games this year. Despite the absences, the team remains confident.
“We’ve got to prepare the right way because this is a damn good defense and everybody knows it,” said Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs. “Everybody in the league has seen it. They were just in a dogfight last week with a real good team. It’s going to be key for us being on the top of our game.”
### Giants Looking for a Turnaround
The New York Giants enter Monday night’s game having lost six straight. Still, they have shown signs of progress over the last two games under interim head coach Mike Kafka. After a 34-27 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions, the Giants made a coaching change, firing former defensive coordinator Shane Bowen and promoting outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen to interim defensive coordinator.
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is expected back after missing two games with a concussion suffered on November 9 in Chicago. Dart started the week in concussion protocol but was a full participant during the team’s walkthrough. Kafka said a final decision on Dart’s availability will come closer to game time.
Giants receiver Wan’Dale Robinson praised Dart’s professionalism during his recovery:
“He’s preparing each and every day. Even whenever he was announced that he wasn’t playing, he was still acting like he was preparing to play. I just think that just goes to show his maturity and him just being a pro.”
### Familiar Adjustments on the Offensive Line
When Campbell went down against the Bengals, Vederian Lowe stepped in at left tackle, and Brown filled in for Wilson at left guard. Both are expected to reprise those roles against the Giants. Additionally, tackle Marcus Bryant will provide support as needed.
The good news for New England is both Brown and Lowe have considerable starting experience. Lowe started 13 games at left tackle last season, while Brown has made 10 starts at center in 2024 after David Andrews was placed on injured reserve. Bryant has appeared in all 12 games this season.
“It’s not the same five, but it’s five we’ve been working together all year,” Bradbury said. “It’s not panic. It’s just move on, next man up.”
### The Art of the Quarterback Sneak
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye reflected on last week’s 26-20 victory over the Bengals, wishing he could redo some plays, including a failed third-down quarterback sneak with the Patriots leading 20-13 early in the fourth quarter. The team did secure a 19-yard field goal, but Maye emphasized the importance of finishing the job.
“I’ve got to find a way to get in, that’s the biggest thing. I wouldn’t say it’s art. It’s a mentality,” Maye said. “If I’ve got to flip the switch or I’ll do some smelling salts or do something. I think you try to get in the end zone on the 1. I’ve been successful sometimes this year on QB sneaks. I did a lot of them in college on the 1-yardline. Just have to find a way.”
### Giants Tie NFL Record for Blowing Leads
The Giants’ recent overtime loss to the Lions marked their fifth defeat this season after leading by 10 or more points, tying an NFL single-season record. This string of blown leads contributed to the firing of defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.
Linebacker Brian Burns acknowledged the team’s failure to step up during critical moments. “It was one play here, one play there,” Burns said, referring to long touchdown runs by running back Jahmyr Gibbs. “You’ve got to be tight on all cylinders playing a guy that dynamic. That’s where we failed in that aspect and those critical downs, and that’s what we have to be better at.”
### Giants’ Offensive Line: A Bright Spot
Despite the Giants’ struggles, their offensive line has been a consistent positive. Journeyman quarterback Jameis Winston, who started the past two games in Dart’s absence, was not sacked until the final play against the Lions. This protection has helped fuel a rushing attack that ranks ninth in the NFL.
“We’re physical up front. I think we use good technique, and I would say we’re pretty athletic,” said left tackle Andrew Thomas. “We have a veteran group, and getting more snaps together, just watching film, getting more practice reps, I think it helps us.”
—
The Patriots seek to extend their winning streak while overcoming injuries, facing a Giants team eager to reverse their fortunes. Monday night’s matchup promises a hard-fought battle under the lights.
https://www.centralmaine.com/2025/11/30/hobbled-patriots-aim-for-10th-straight-win/