Patriots at Giants preseason final score: New England's defense gives Daniel Jones fits early in win

Daniel Jones makes his first appearance of the preseason

The Patriots and Giants put a bow on the preseason on Sunday night with New England getting the better of New York at MetLife Stadium, 22-20. If the pecking order in this game was any indication, Cam Newton will likely be the team's starter to begin the regular season. He started and played the entire first quarter behind the starting offensive line and completed two of his five throws for 10 yards and an interception. While those numbers aren't anything to write home about, this interception was more of a credit to Giants linebacker Blake Martinez, who was able to muscle the ball away from Jakobi Meyers. 

Meanwhile, Mac Jones came in behind Newton, to start the second quarter. The start to his night was also a bit choppy but settled down to begin the second half, leading the Patriots offense on a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that culminated in a 17-yard strike to receiver Isaiah Zuber. He finished his night completing 10 of 14 for 156 yards and a touchdown. 

For New York, protecting Daniel Jones was a key issue through the first two quarters. The young quarterback was constantly under siege and sacked twice in the first half. He was also pressured into throwing an interception in the end zone by linebacker Josh Uche, who continues to stand out as a pass rusher for New England. That said, he finished his preseason by capping off an impressive two-minute drill prior to halftime that ended with a 23-yard touchdown to Kaden Smith. In all, Jones completed 17 of his 22 throws for 135 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

From here, the Giants will prepare for their regular-season opener against Teddy Bridgewater and the Denver Broncos. Meanwhile, the Patriots will head back to Foxborough and await the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.

[Aug 29, 2021 at 8:36 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Happy for Quinn Nordin. He really struggled last week against Philly but has turned things around nicely tonight. He's connected on both of his field-goal attempts and nailed his extra-point attempt.

[Aug 29, 2021 at 8:29 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Brian Hoyer is now in at quarterback for the Patriots. Mac Jones finishes his preseason by completing 10 of his 14 throws against the Giants for 156 yards and a touchdown.

[Aug 29, 2021 at 8:26 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

An A+ ball here by Mac Jones.

[Aug 29, 2021 at 8:24 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Nice bootleg toss by Mike Glennon on the touchdown to Alex Bachman. A really solid No. 2 QB behind Jones for New York. 

[Aug 29, 2021 at 8:15 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

J.J. Taylor continues to be a lightning rod for this Patriots offense. Has 50 yards rushing on five carries and has one catch for eight yards. 

[Aug 29, 2021 at 8:13 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Good stuff from Devin Asiasi tonight. Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith will see a lot of action once the regular season begins, but he's solidified himself as the third tight end on the depth chart. 

[Aug 29, 2021 at 7:57 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Stevenson continues to be a bowling ball for this Patriots offense. That's touchdown No. 5 for him this preseason. 

[Aug 29, 2021 at 7:44 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Nice rebound by Mac Jones on the opening drive of the second half. Looked off the safety and zipped in a nice pass to Isaiah Zuber for a 17-yard touchdown. Impressive. 

[Aug 29, 2021 at 7:40 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Wilkerson and Jones have had a solid rapport this summer. He'll be an interesting name to monitor on cutdown day. 

[Aug 29, 2021 at 7:39 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Asked what he wants to see more of from his team in the second half, Bill Belichick said better execution on third down. Team has yet to convert a first down in their four third down opportunities today.