WATCH: Bailey Zappe INT, Chad Ryland Missed FG Sinks New England Patriots Comeback Attempt in Loss to New York Giants

The New England Patriots are attempting to find an offensive rhythm in their Week 12 matchup with the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

The New England Patriots seemingly needed a bit of “Zip from Zap” to ignite their offense during their Week 12 matchup with the New York Giants at MetLife. 

In his final drive of regulation, Zappe led the Pats on a nine-play, 33-yard drive, culminating in a 35-yard field goal attempt by rookie kicker Chad Ryland,. The field goal which would have tied the game at 10, sending the contest to overtime - sailed wide on a cold, rainy Sunday afternoon on Thanksgiving weekend — and dooming the Patriots to a 10-7 loss to New York and a 2-9 record.   

Rock bottom for the #Patriots: Kicker Chad Ryland misses a 35-yard game-tying FG and the Giants will win 10-7.

New England is 2-9 on the season. pic.twitter.com/aBzLxexsv7

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 26, 2023

For a time, it looked like the “zip” had benefited the home team for good. With the game tied at seven — thanks to a 60-yard touchdown drive by New England to open the third quarter —  quarterback Bailey Zappe (in relief of starter Mac Jones) was attempting to lead the Pats back into scoring position. However, he was intercepted on first-and-10 from the New England 35 yard-line on a short pass  intended for receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Giants defensive back Xavier McKinney snagged Zappe’s pass at the 50, and returned it for 18 yards. The Giants took advantage of Zappe’s pick with a 42-yard field goal by Giants kicker Randy Bullock. 

INT! Bailey Zappe pulls a Mac Jones and throws to 3 Defenderspic.twitter.com/QVF0yyXmjNhttps://t.co/HnuGBYPxc8

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 26, 2023

In addition to a 10-7 deficit, New England faced the rest of the game without their top receiver Demario Douglas, who exited the game with a head injury early in the fourth quarter. 

Mac Jones was pulled again and the Patriots lost again, this time to the Giants :: © Kevin R. Wexler / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Pats entered this matchup on the heels of a 10-6, Week 10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Frankfurt, Germany. Conversely, the Giants are hoping to continue their winning ways after a 31-19 victory over the Washington Commanders.

WATCH: Zappe Replaces Mac; Patriots Tie Giants

After nearly two weeks of semantical gymnastics, Patriots coach Bill Belichick decided to start Mac Jones at quarterback. Throughout the week, reports indicated that Jones had taken the majority of his reps with the first-team offense, with Bailey Zappe getting looks with the second unit. However, recent reports indicated that the snaps were more evenly distributed among both Jones and Zappe than originally thought. Still, the Pats decided to start Jones.

Despite battling through an ankle injury for the majority of the past three weeks, left tackle Trent Brown is active, as are veteran receiver DeVante Parker and rookie Kayshon Boutte.

For the Giants, star nose tackle Dexter Lawrence is inactive, after being listed as doubtful on Friday’s injury report. Lawrence had missed the previous three days of practice. 

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