The Patriots and Giants are closing up a long week of holiday football with a Monday night game at Foxboro, with New England seeking to extend its impressive nine-game winning streak against the feisty but 2-10 Giants. The big story for New York was the return of quarterback Jaxson Dart from concussion protocol, but if the early stages of this game are any indication, he will need to be careful not to wind up back there.
That’s because Dart was knocked with a violent hit on the sideline by Patriots linebacker Christian Ellis late in the first quarter, one that sent his sprawling out of bounds. Dart had earlier taken a shot from Harold Landry of the Patriots.
Both hits were legal, but the sight of the rookie quarterback getting hit so violently drew reactions from veteran Giants teammates immediately. After Ellis hit Dart, tight end Theo Johnson went after Ellis immediately, shoving him, and was joined by offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz, who also went after Elliss.
Patriots Grab Early Lead
No doubt, the hits were eye-openers. But they’re also reflective of the issue the team has had since making Dart, the No. 25 pick in last year’s draft, the starter this season. His aggressiveness is part of his appeal, but he leaves himself too open to clean shots by defenders. The Patriots simply took advantage of that.
On the broadcast, former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman was quick to defend Elliss and the Patriots.
“It looked to me like it was a legal hit,” he said. “It was just Dart trying to get a little extra. He has to protect himself, he is a target.”
The game got off to a promising start for the Patriots, as a field goal was followed by another Marcus Jones punt return for a touchdown, and later, a Drake Maye touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte for a 17-0 lead.
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