The New York Giants and New England Patriots hit it off on Thursday evening in the final week of the 2013 NFL Preseason. Though this won't provide the same drama from their February matchups in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, it still features two of the NFL's most successful teams in recent years and who wouldn't want to see Tom Brady and Eli Manning face off at least for a quarter or two?
This will be the highlight of Week 4's schedule. Though the Seattle Seahawks are the hottest team in the preseason, they face the Oakland Raiders, which will only provide a lopsided matchup.
The Patriots and Giants are coming off Week 3 loses. Both loses could not have been more different. The Patriots were blown out, while the Giants battled into overtime, losing in extended period to the New York Jets.
The Giants had plenty of things to like from their defenses' performance. They handed out hard hits and got into passing lanes, intercepting Jets' rookie quarterback Geno Smith three times in the game. Mark Sanchez, who had a decent game, going 5/6 for 72 passing yards, took a whopping hit and injured his shoulder as he took a hit from defensive tackle Marvin Austin. However, they couldn't close out the game late in the fourth.
The Patriots' pass defense was non-existent in Thursday's game against the Detroit Lions. Matt Stafford threw for 166 passing yards and a touchdown, while Kellen Moore threw for an almost perfect 9/12 with 150 yards and two touchdowns. At the half, the Lions led 16-3. In the second half, they outscored the Patriots 24-6, winning by the final score of 40-9.
At least the Patriots didn't give up big games on the ground. Reggie Bush went for one yard in six carries, but he led the Lions with 103 receiving yards. The Lions totaled 124 yards on the ground with Theo Riddick adding the only touchdown for the running game.
Return to Sports World Report on Thursday for schedule info as both teams will face off for some football that evening on the NFL Network.
*The final meeting between these two teams saw a dramatic conclusion. It was only a regular season game, but it was a nailbiter as Manning hit Jake Ballard in the end zone on a 3rd & Goal play with 15 seconds left in the game. The Giants won 24-20.