Tuesday Talking Points: Patriots vs. Giants in prime time

The Patriots are one of two undefeated NFL teams remaining entering Week 6. They’ll kick off the action this week by hosting the Giants in Foxboro.

Sure, 5-0 is nice, but the narrative this week is that a weak schedule may have benefitted New England thus far. However, on a short week, this may be the toughest test the Patriots have faced yet.

There’s been a lot to digest in the first five weeks of the NFL season, specifically inside the walls of Gillette Stadium. For New England, that includes a combination of negative media attention thanks to one ‘retired’ NFL receiver, bluffing about Tom Brady’s decline, and bickering of an easy schedule.

Cry about it.

The defending champs are 5-0 and returning home to the Foxboro Faithful on a short week to host the new-look New York Giants on Thursday night. Here’s what you should be talking about as Daniel Jones leads the “G-Men” into Foxboro.

The defense, because… of course.

The Patriots defense has been the best in the NFL this season, as noted through the first four weeks. No. 1 in passing yards per game (160.4), No. 3 in rushing yards per game (78.0), No. 1 in INT (11), No. 1 in points per game (6.8).

Pause.

That last number of 6.8 has a lot of potential behind it. That number signifies just how historically good this New England defense could be. For comparison, here’s how the two teams that have regularly been called the best defenses of all-time did in terms of points allowed: the ’85 Bears (who beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XX) allowed 12.4 PPG, and the ’00 Ravens allowed 10.3 PPG.

What’s the deal with the offensive line?

The loss of LT Isaiah Wynn for at least half the season forced the hand of Bill Belichick to go out and sign FA Marshall Newhouse to fill in and protect the blind side for the greatest QB to ever live.

No pressure, right? Well, the Redskins definitely got some, and Brady felt it.

On Sunday, Washington bull-rushed Brady and was able to hit him on nine occasions and sack him four times. There were an excessive amount of grass stains on the back of No. 12’s jersey by the time the game ended, but Brady apparently still has the confidence his guys up front will pull it together… even posting to his Instagram story: “calm down everyone the o-line’s got this…”

Safe to say the line will need to get it together with Brady under center now at 42 years of age.

Is Julian Edelman 100%?

The ‘Iron Man’ receiver is now 33 years old, he’s not as fast as he used to be, and he’s not as durable as he used to be. Edelman suffered a rib/chest injury that sidelined him for more than half of the Patriots’ Week 3 contest against the Jets, and last Sunday in Washington, it was noticeable that the former Super Bowl MVP was experiencing some discomfort.

With the Pats already particularly thin at the pass catching position, it makes it tougher for New England if their No. 1 option isn’t ready to go.

Will the running game step up?

Building off what was just said about the receiving corps, that may mean the running game is relied more heavily upon in the future. No Rex Burkhead last week provided more chances for Sony Michel, who rushed for 91 yards on 16 carries and who also found the end zone in what was by far his best showing on the ground this season.

New England’s rushing attack has been lackluster to say the least this season, ranking 21st in yards per game. However, if the passing attack suffers, it’ll mean the Patriots will be forced to rely more heavily on moving the ball on the ground, similar to last season.

What are YOU discussing leading up to the Patriots hosting the Giants this Thursday? Let us know in the comments below!