Giants-Patriots final score: New York Giants defeat New England Patriots, 17-9

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants were hoping to answer some questions, especially in regards to their offensive line, in their preseason finale against the New England Patriots. However, for another game this preseason, the starting offensive unit has not played well.

With the exception of Weston Richburg, the rest of the first team offensive line started the game. As it has been all preseason, the blocking was simply not good enough. Ereck Flowers was beaten on a bull rush leading to a sack. Brett Jones let Jaime Collins sack Ryan Nassib without being touched.

The Giants defense was doing a great job, especially considering they sat most of their starters. Often being swarmed by Giants defenders, it took a while for Tom Brady to find a rhythm. Trevin Wade was able to record an interception while Montori Hughes picked up a Martellus Bennett fumble. However, after a costly fumble by Paul Perkins, Brady marched his offense into the end zone at the 1:37 mark into the first quarter, only failing during the two-point conversion.

Ryan Nassib struggled to begin the game but was able to get into a rhythm once the second quarter started. Locking on to Tavarres King, he accounted for three catches for 20 yards during this drive and added eight yards rushing from an end around play. They did not quite get into the end zone, but they drove it far enough for a Randy Bullock field goal from 25 yards out. The Giants trail the Patriots to a score of 6-3.

As the first half was winding down, the Giants offense was threatening. Larry Donnell made a tough catch for 30 yards. Once arriving to the red zone, Nassib was picked off and the half drew to a close.

At the 10:19 mark into the third quarter, Ryan Nassib threw a slant to Tavarres King who showed off his speed for a 59-yard touchdown. King appears to have the sixth receiver spot all locked up. Randy Bullock was able to knock down the extra point, giving the Giants a 10-6 lead.

The Patriots offense drove down the field late in the third quarter when Mark Herzlich was flagged for a late hit. The Patriots were only able to score a field goal as the fourth quarter began, making the score 10-9, Giants.

Logan Thomas took over midway through the fourth quarter and even threw himself an impressive touchdown catch to Roger Lewis Jr. with less than four minutes to go in the game.

Moments that mattered

Finding out who wouldn’t play: The Giants announced a looooong list of players who were being held out of action. None of these guys played: QB Eli Manning; WR Odell Beckham Jr.; C Weston Richburg; TE Will Johnson (burner); CB Janoris Jenkins; CB Leon Hall (concussion); S Darian Thompson (shoulder); CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie; LB Jonathan Casillas (ribs); LB Jasper Brinkley; DE Olivier Vernon; DE Jason Pierre-Paul; LB B.J. Goodson (concussion); DT Johnathan Hankins; DT Damon Harrison.

Trevin Wade intercepts Tom Brady: With Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Janoris Jenkins sitting the game out, it was up to Trevin Wade to man one of the outside cornerback spots. Wade did an excellent job against the starting Patriots wide receivers as he was able to intercept Tom Brady.

Up and down night for Nassib: Ryan Nassib had another inconsistent outing on Thursday night. He was intercepted once and fumbled the ball for a turnover — negated by a Patriots penalty. He was inaccurate trying to throw deep and was even skittish on some of his shorter throws. His final numbers for the night were: 16/29 passes completed, one touchdown and one interception.

Dominating Defense: No starters? No problem. Tom Brady started the entire first half but was only able to score six points. The defensive front was racking up the pressure while the secondary did not let the Patriots beat them beat. The defense generated three turnovers which definitely deflated the Patriots offense. They did give up a quick touchdown against Brady thanks to some creative offensive plays but the defense again played great.

Tavarres King with a 59-yard TD: King caught the game winning touchdown against the New York Jets and has done it again against the Patriots. After catching a routine slant pass from Nassib, King turned on the jets and sped his way through for a 59-yard touchdown.

Quotable

— Eli Manning on the upcoming season

What’s next?

The regular season! Hooray! The Giants open the 2016 season by traveling to Arlington, Tx., to face the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 11. The Cowboys, of course will be quarterbacked by rookie Dak Prescott as Tony Romo is sidelined by a broken bone in his back. The Giants will be looking to win their first season-opening game since the 2010 season.