Patriots vs. Giants: Score, Grades, Recap and More

In a game that in absolutely no way resembled the last time these two teams met on a football field, the New York Giants and New England Patriots met in a preseason bash to gather info for the final cuts, give youngsters experience, keep stars healthy, and determine a winner.

The Giants were kind enough to help us accomplish that last point when Lawrence Tynes kicked his second field goal of the contest with under two minutes left in the game to put the Giants up for good 6-3. 

Considering that both these teams were in the Super Bowl a season ago and are running the same systems as last year, there was little these teams had to work on, other than getting specific players work.

That goes a long way towards explaining why this was a terrible game filled with mistakes, missed opportunities and very little scoring. 

The most interesting aspect of this game in terms of possible future impact is that the final preseason game typically offers an extended look at the backup quarterbacks—this game was no different. 

Both the Giants David Carr and the Giants Ryan Mallett got plenty of PT. 

Grades for Key Patriots

Ryan Mallett: C

Ryan Mallett looked way too tentative while playing the entire first half. He checked down way too often.

He also had a number of easy screens called him, and he was still just 8-for-15, which wouldn't be terrible had he passed for more than 40 yards.

On the bright side, Mallett didn't make any decisions that led to interceptions, but he looked far from a QB that could lead this offense to consistent points should he be thrust into duty.

His downfield throws were far too erratic, and he doesn't appear to have a firm grasp on this offense.

Jeff Demps: B-

Jeff Demps is getting a crash course in the Patriots' offense after putting his career on hold to win a medal at the 2012 Olympics. 

This was just his second appearance for the Patriots, and he looked decent. Demps didn't have a lot to work with on his carries. He had six of them and gained only 15 yards, but the meager yards per carry number can hardly be pinned on him. He needs some kind of hole to hit. 

Demps looked better in the pass game, where he caught all three of the passes thrown his direction and gained 31 yards. 

Grades for Key Giants

David Carr: B

Eli Manning got the start in this game, but Carr came in in the second quarter and handled the duties the rest of the way. 

In an effort to help Carr relive his starting days with the Houston Texans, the Giants offensive line allowed Carr to get brutally sacked not long after entering the contest. The collision left him with a bloody lip. 

Unfettered, Carr did a solid job with his snaps. He couldn't help his team find the endzone, but he looked comfortable in the offense, and for the most part his throws were on point, as he picked apart the Patriots secondary to the tune of 11-for-18 for 136 yards and no interceptions. 

Andre Brown: A-

Andre Brown took advantage of his opportunity to impress not only the Giants' coaches but coaches around the league. 

The third-year running back ran hard and was decently effective. He ran for 55 yards, and his 3.9 yards per carry tied for the best mark in this contest. He also added two catches for 22 yards. 

What's Next? 

Finally, it is on to the regular season. The Patriots will begin their season on the road against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, September 9. 

The Giants start off with a huge game as they will host division rival Dallas Cowboys on NBC's Sunday Night Football.