Football is finally back. Kinda. If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent the last few months staring at empty stadium photos and debating third-string offensive linemen on Twitter. Then the schedule drops, and there it is: NE vs NYG preseason.
It’s the game everyone loves to claim doesn't matter until they’re three beers deep on a Thursday night screaming about a rookie's route running.
Honestly, the history between these two is just weirdly deep. You have two fan bases that genuinely can't stand each other, separated by a few hours on I-95 and a couple of Super Bowls that still make New England fans twitch. Even when the starters are wearing headsets and holding clipboards, there is an edge to this game.
The 42-10 Blowout Nobody Saw Coming
Let's talk about the most recent clash. The Giants didn't just win; they basically dismantled the Patriots in a 42-10 shellacking. It was the kind of game that makes you question everything you thought you knew about roster depth.
The Giants went 3-0 in the preseason for the seventh time in their history, which is a neat stat, but the real story was the offense. They scored over 30 points in three straight preseason games. That hasn't happened before. Ever.
Tommy DeVito—yes, the "Cutlets" guy—looked like a seasoned vet out there. He played the entire second half and went 17-of-20. That’s an 85% completion rate for those keeping track at home. He tossed three touchdowns and ended with a nearly perfect 147.5 passer rating. It’s preseason, sure, but those are video game numbers.
On the other side, the Patriots looked... lost.
They started UDFA rookie Ben Wooldridge. He played the whole game because the staff decided to sit 31 starters, including Drake Maye. Wooldridge had some moments, like a 10-yard TD to Jeremiah Webb, but he also threw a pick-six to TJ Moore that basically sucked the air out of the building.
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Why We Care About the Depth Chart
Most people watch for the stars, but the real junkies are watching the bubble.
Take Kyle Dugger. The guy is a pillar of that New England defense, but he was out there playing 32 snaps in a preseason finale. Why? Mike Vrabel—who’s running the show now—seemed to be sending a message. Dugger responded. He snagged an interception in the end zone, his second in as many weeks.
It was a "don't forget who I am" moment.
Then you have the Giants' rookie Jaxson Dart. He got the start and looked sharp, going 6-of-12 for 81 yards and a touchdown. He would’ve had better stats if his receivers didn't have a sudden case of the dropsies. Jalin Hyatt caught a 27-yard TD from Jameis Winston but also dropped a couple that should have been easy money.
The Standouts You’ll Actually See in September:
- Jaxson Dart (NYG): Finished the preseason with 372 yards and no interceptions. He’s the real deal as a backup or future starter.
- Jeremiah Webb (NE): A dark horse who might’ve stolen a roster spot from Javon Baker. He’s a dual-threat on special teams.
- Greg Dulcich (NYG): Caught two touchdowns against the Pats. He’s finally looking like the player the Giants hoped he’d be.
- Marcus Bryant (NE): The seventh-round pick who’s suddenly the most reliable depth piece on a shaky O-line.
The "Rivalry" That Won't Die
You can't talk about NE vs NYG preseason without mentioning the ghosts of 2007 and 2011. It’s the law.
Even though they play in different conferences, these teams meet almost every single summer. It’s a tradition. It started back in the 70s, but it got spicy when Bill Parcells moved between the two. Then Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin turned it into a chess match for the ages.
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New York fans still hold those Super Bowl wins over New England’s head like a trophy. Patriots fans? They usually just point at the six rings. But in the preseason, none of that hardware matters. It’s about 90 guys trying to prove they belong in the league.
I noticed something interesting in the trenches during this last game. The Patriots started Jared Wilson at LG and Ben Brown at Center. It felt like a frantic, last-minute audition. They didn't allow a pressure on four pass blocks, but the run game was basically non-existent.
If you're a New England fan, that should worry you. The O-line is still a puzzle with missing pieces.
What the Scouts Are Whispering
I’ve been hearing a lot of chatter about the Giants’ interior defense. Elijah Garcia and DJ Davidson were living in the Patriots' backfield.
Davidson is a mountain of a man, and he’s battle-tested. Garcia, though? He’s the one who might surprise people. He was getting penetration nearly every snap he played.
And let’s pour one out for TJ Moore. The Giants' rookie cornerback had a spectacular 44-yard pick-six but had to be carted off with a leg injury. That’s the brutal side of the NE vs NYG preseason—guys playing the game of their lives only to have it cut short in a game that "doesn't count."
The Kicking Game Drama
You want to talk about high-stakes? Look at the kickers.
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Andy Borregales for New England had a rough night. He missed a 49-yarder. He finished the preseason 3-for-5. In a league where games are decided by three points, that’s a massive red flag.
Meanwhile, the Giants seem set with Graham Gano, but they were giving looks to Jude McAtamney just in case. It's these tiny details—the stuff 95% of fans ignore—that actually decide who wins in November.
Actionable Insights for the Regular Season
Don't just look at the 42-10 score and think the Giants are Super Bowl bound or the Patriots are destined for the #1 pick. Preseason is a liar, but it leaves clues.
- Watch the Giants' TE usage: Greg Dulcich and Thomas Fidone II are both too good to cut. Expect the Giants to run more 12-personnel (two tight ends) than we’ve seen in years.
- Monitor the Patriots' O-line shuffle: If Ben Brown stays at Center, it means they’ve lost faith in the veteran Garrett Bradbury. That’s a huge chemistry shift right before Week 1.
- Don't sleep on Tommy DeVito: He might be the most overqualified QB3 in the NFL. If the starter goes down, the Giants offense won't just collapse.
- Special Teams is the tie-breaker: Jeremiah Webb (NE) and Gunner Olszewski (NYG) aren't just receivers; they are the reason their teams won't have to worry about field position.
The reality of NE vs NYG preseason is that it's a scouting combine with a scoreboard. The Giants look like they have the best depth they've had in a decade. The Patriots look like a team in the middle of a massive identity shift under Jerod Mayo and Mike Vrabel.
Keep an eye on the waiver wire over the next 48 hours. Half the guys who played in this game will be wearing different jerseys by Tuesday.
Next Steps for Fans:
Check the official NFL transaction wire on Tuesday at 4:00 PM ET. This is when the "final" 53-man rosters are set. Pay close attention to the Patriots' offensive line and the Giants' wide receiver room, as several players from this specific preseason matchup are prime candidates for practice squad stashing or waiver wire claims by other teams.
If you're into fantasy, look at the target share for the Giants' tight ends. If Dulcich carries this preseason momentum into the regular season, he’s a legitimate late-round sleeper for your draft.