-by DNOMN8R314

Despite the quick turnaround from Sunday’s win over Washington, the Patriots have a pair of advantages this Thursday: they’ve faced new Giants starting quarterback Daniel Jones already (in the fourth preseason game this year), and Tom Brady has played on a lot more short weeks than Jones. The 2-3 Giants have picked up some wins since their quarterback switch from Eli Manning, so Bill Belichick and company will not be underestimating them whether Saquon Barkley returns from injury or remains out. With New England banged up, they’ll be relying more than ever on under-the-radar contributors, some of whom can be found in the list below.

The rich get Richards: I can’t name anyone who was fond of the Jordan Richards reunion, but the guy did fill in well on special teams against Washington. With Nate Ebner out, Richards resumed his regular special teams role and made one tackle on the third unit. Due to the short turnaround, it will be unsurprising if Ebner misses Thursday’s game, meaning Richards should have just as big a role on special teams this week. Let’s see if he can keep it up.

Edge-a-sketch: The Patriots’ offensive line has been an unfortunate weakness in recent weeks, and tackles Marshall Newhouse and Marcus Cannon will have another test ahead of them. The Giants have added to their edge rush department in recent years, bringing Markus Golden from Arizona in free agency and drafting Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines in the last two third rounds. Tom Brady’s most difficult games have been those where he’s kept under pressure and knocked off his spot, meaning Newhouse and Cannon, along with the rest of the offensive line, will as always be responsible for keeping Brady upright, this time from a new set of defenders trying to knock him down.

Bolden the beautiful: Even when the rest of New England’s running backs have been helpful, Brandon Bolden has been good for a handful of touches a game. With Rex Burkhead inactive Sunday, Bolden touched the ball on offense six times: five rushes for 13 yards and one 29-yard touchdown catch. Given the short week, it’s entirely possible Burkhead is scratched again, a roster decision which would likely increase Bolden’s role on offense again. Since Bolden, like Burkhead, has value as a rusher and receiver, his presence on the field won’t tip off the play call, something Belichick values in his running backs. His return to the Patriots his year has brought a nice sprinkling of touches, and that should continue throughout the season.

With their pumped-up kicks: Mike Nugent’s first scoring kick attempt as a Patriot resembled several of Stephen Gostkowski’s this season: a missed extra point. Nugent did make his remaining kicks – two field goals and three extra points – but he did bounce one of those XPs off the upright and through. The presence of Younghoe Koo on the practice squad suggests Nugent’s hold on the kicking job is not secure, and Sunday’s kicks mean it’s even more questionable whether Nugent will retain his role. With a short week, the Patriots may not make a roster move, but Thursday’s kicks will play a big role in determining whether the team will keep Nugent as their kicker or make a change agan.

Brooks and done: With Patrick Chung also having missed Sunday’s game, Terrence Brooks has been the next man up at strong safety. (While Duron Harmon may have had more snaps, he like Devin McCourty plays more like a second free safety.) Brooks was expected to play a core special teams role when signed but has had a bit role on defense throughout the season, a role that comes more into spotlight if Chung is out again. But even if Chung returns, Brooks’ ability to step in at safety will be worth watching against a Giants offense with a new rookie quarterback in the spotlight.

BoSoxJim TUMS-O-METER Prediction:
Plucked from the comments section: “My quick TUMS prediction: 1 case. Why? Short week, injuries and maybe bad weather. I’d be interested to see who makes the official prediction and what they predict when I get back.”
Surprise, MAC – it’s still you!