The New York Giants headed into their Week 13 Monday night matchup against the New England Patriots riding a six-game losing streak. The Pats have been red-hot, winning nine straight and sitting atop the AFC playoff picture.
It looked like what a game between a 2-10 team and a 10-2 team should look like. The Giants did little right while the Patriots were mostly dominant.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere's a breakdown of the studs, duds, and in-betweens from the Giants' 33-15 Week 13 loss to the Patriots.
Stud: RB Devin Singletary
The Patriots entered the game second in the NFL against the run, so the Giants' running game was in for a challenge. Tyrone Tracy Jr. usually gets the most work, but in this game, the Giants mainly went with Singletary. Motor rushed 12 times for 68 yards (a 5.7 average) and a touchdown, and caught three passes for another 34 yards.
Dud: Giants' special teams
Perhaps the worst game the unit has played in years. They allowed a 94-yard punt return for a touchdown to Marcus Jones while their return game was shut down. Primary returner Gunner Olszewski left the game with a concussion after taking several big hits. The moment everyone will remember is when kicker Younghoe Koo got his kicking foot stuck in the turf attempting a field goal. Holder Jamie Gillan was crushed by the defense, trying to make something out of it.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementStud: S Dane Belton
Dane Betlon continues to display his ability to make plays. He recorded seven total tackles with a sack and a pass defensed. He also made a stop on special teams.
Dud: LB Abdul Carter
Abdul Carter was benched for the entire first quarter in what head coach Mike Kafka called "a coach's decision." Translation: Carter violated a team rule and was being disciplined for the second time in three weeks. Carter did, however, record his first full sack in the game, but questions are being raised about the third-overall pick's professionalism.
Stud: LB Zaire Barnes
Zaire Barnes played a ton of the defensive snaps because, well, the Giants are out of linebackers. Normally, Barnes plays on special teams (he did that, too), but he got a chance to show that he can do more than that. He led the team with 13 total tackles, including a sack, and had two assists on special teams.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDud: DL Dexter Lawrence
Dexter Lawrence vowed to tough things out with his ailing elbow, but maybe that isn't the wisest of moves. The Pro Bowl nose tackle did not record any stats on the score sheet in this game.
Studly dud: WR Darius Slayton
Darius Slayton was only targeted three times in the game, but caught two of them for a total of 41 yards. One went for a 30-yard touchdown. He also caught a two-point conversion in the game.
Other studs
Any Giants fan who watched all four quarters.
Other duds
K Younghoe Koo
TE Theo Johnson
WR Gunner Olszewski
HC Mike Kafka
STC Michael Ghobrial
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Studs and duds from New York Giants' Week 13 loss to Patriots
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