3 Takeaways from Patriots' Week 12 Loss vs. Giants

It was another week and another disappointing loss for the New England Patriots. The Patriots weren't embarrassed, as they have been at times this season, but when Chad Ryland missed a 35-yard field goal with only seconds remaining, they fell 10-7 to the New York Giants.

Once again, quarterback Mac Jones was benched, and as has often been the case, it made little difference in the outcome.

New England has now lost four straight, and its Week 7 upset of the Buffalo Bills feels like a distant memory. This was one of the few "winnable" games left on the Patriots' schedule, and there's now a very real possibility that New England won't taste victory again in 2023.

Here are our biggest takeaways from the Patriots' Week 12 loss to the Giants.

Mac Jones Needs a Change

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Patriots QB Mac Jones

Jones has been trending the wrong way since his rookie Pro Bowl campaign in 2021. There was some uncertainty about whether Jones would even start against New York, and it was fair to wonder if he needed a break to reset.

However, offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien dismissed the idea that Jones might have the "yips."

"I don't believe in yips or anything like that. Mac has played well. Mac will play well again," O'Brien said, per ESPN's Mike Reiss.

However, it was clear early on Sunday that something isn't right with the third-year quarterback. Jones was just 12-of-21 for 89 yards and two interceptions in the first half, and several of his throws were legitimate head-scratchers. He was replaced by Bailey Zappe at intermission.

"Mac Jones looks broken. Almost should take him out for his own good," Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Indeed, Jones needs a change—whether it's extended time on the bench or a complete change of scenery. Right now, he just doesn't appear to be a functional starter for the Patriots.

At Least New England Has a Running Back

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Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson

Zappe (9-of-14 for 54 yards and an INT) wasn't much better than Jones, and barring a shocking quarterback turnaround, the Patriots' signal-caller of the future probably isn't on the roster. The good news is that New England appears to have a franchise running back in Rhamondre Stevenson.

Along with rookie wideout Demario Douglas (six catches, 49 yards), Stevenson was one of the only bright spots for New England on Sunday. He finished with 98 rushing yards, a 4.7 yards-per-carry average, five catches and a rushing touchdown.

The third-year back has had his ups and downs this season—thanks in no small part to the opposition's lack of fear of New England's quarterbacks—and he came in with an average of just 3.8 yards per carry.

However, outings like Sunday's show that Stevenson is still the potent runner that he appeared to be in his first two years. He'll be entering a contract year in 2024, and while the new NFL trend is to not give running backs big second contracts, the Patriots will have to consider extending him.

It would be a lot of fun to see what Stevenson can do with a functional passing attack.

The No. 1 Pick Is in Play (and the Patriots Might Want It)

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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: The New England Patriots logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

By losing to the Giants, the Patriots briefly took over the No. 2 slot in the 2024 NFL draft—the Arizona Cardinals later reclaimed it with their loss. They have only one more win than the Carolina Panthers, which means that the No. 1 pick is still very much in play for New England.

Assuming that the Patriots are indeed out on the Jones-Zappe tandem, that might actually be a good thing.

"It hurts to say... but today, a win = a loss. Were onto April 25th, 2024," former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Earning one of the top two picks would most likely give New England a shot at a top QB prospect like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. It's entirely fair to wonder if Bill Belichick and the Patriots quietly want that more than wins.

Tanking is nearly impossible to prove, but New England's decisions as of late have been curious as of late. The continued flip-flopping at quarterback and the refusal to upgrade the receiving corps have done nothing to aid the team's offensive chemistry.

Intentional or not, the Patriots have put themselves in position to open 2024 with a highly-touted rookie quarterback. Given the tough remaining slate, that might have to be the silver lining for New England fans on game days from here on out.