Giants’ Kicker Whiffs in Viral MNF Moment as Patriots Win 33–15; Jayden Daniels Nearing Return for Commanders

A chaotic Monday Night Football delivered a highlight reel for all the wrong reasons. The New York Giants fell 33–15 in Foxborough, but the moment everyone replayed was their kicker swinging through the turf and missing the ball on a second-quarter field-goal try—turning a routine attempt into a busted play and a turnover on downs. Across the field, New England kept its machine humming behind efficient offense and a spotless night from Andy Borregales, while the Commanders offered a midweek glimmer: Jayden Daniels is edging closer to game action.

Giants Kicker Misses the Ball: What Happened and Why It Hurt

Facing a chance to trim the deficit, the Giants lined up for a mid-range kick. The plant foot slipped, the swing caught turf, and the ball never moved. The holder scrambled, was tackled behind the sticks, and the drive died. Beyond the meme, the miscue flipped field position and momentum. Special teams had already been a problem; moments later, New England’s return unit would produce a 94-yard punt-return touchdown, widening the gap and forcing the Giants into chase mode the rest of the night.

Key Giants special-teams moments

• Miss-kick turned turnover on downs

• Punt-return TD allowed

• Field position consistently tilted against them

Patriots 33, Giants 15: Clean Execution vs. Costly Errors

New England jumped to 17–0 and led 30–7 at halftime, riding an on-schedule offense and a game-changing return score. Drake Maye was sharp and turnover-free, distributing underneath and off play-action. Hunter Henry paced the passing game, and Andy Borregales stacked points with four field goals, keeping the pressure on every stalled Giants possession.

For the Giants, there were bright spots—Darius Slayton found the end zone and added a two-point conversion; Devin Singletary churned out yardage—but repeated special-teams mistakes and an early hole proved decisive.

Patriots notes

• QB play: efficient, two TD passes, no giveaways

• STs: 94-yard punt-return TD; Borregales perfect on placement kicks

• Win streak extends to double digits and the record climbs to 11–2

Giants notes

• Red-zone chances limited

• Miscues on kicks and coverage magnified the deficit

• Enter the bye in search of stability and healthier bodies

Why Is Abdul Carter Not Playing Every Snap?

The rookie edge rusher did not open the game after a coach’s decision tied to team-rules accountability, then rotated in and notched his first full NFL sack. The message is clear: standards first, snaps earned. With Brian Burns anchoring the room, the immediate watch items are Carter’s practice rhythm, early-series usage next game, and penalty-free impact.

Commanders QB Room: Is Jayden Daniels Playing This Week?

The Commanders are inching toward good news. Jayden Daniels—out since a Week 9 dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow—has been taking practice reps and is trending upward, though full clearance wasn’t locked as of Tuesday. The staff has leaned on Marcus Mariota during the absence; a healthy Daniels would immediately elevate explosiveness, QB run threat, and downfield play-action. Status will hinge on contact clearance and functional strength in bracing falls.

What to monitor

• Practice participation level (limited vs. full)

• Final injury designation by the end of the week

• Whether designed QB runs are back in the script

Around the Kickers: Borregales Up, Moody/McPherson Watch

• Andy Borregales (Patriots): Composed on MNF and continues a strong rookie season, including range beyond 50 and reliable short game—exactly what a surging team needs in December.

• Bengals Kicker (Evan McPherson): Remains one of the league’s most trusted legs in late-game spots; monitor weekly injury reports only for routine maintenance, not current concern.

• Jake Moody (49ers): No fresh drama this week; track consistency on long tries and kickoff depth as the weather turns.

Rapid Fire on Other Names You’re Searching

• Bobby Wagner / Dre Greenlaw / Eric Wilson: December linebacker play is about availability and sideline-to-sideline speed; check weekly inactives for any late hamstring or groin flags.

• Chase Brown (Bengals): Usage has ticked up; watch touches and targets—his burst stresses light boxes.

• Tanner Hudson (Giants): A steady chain-mover; role can expand if the Giants lean shorter concepts post-bye.

• Matt Prater (Cardinals) / Jake Moody (49ers) / Evan McPherson (Bengals): Late-season outdoor conditions will drive range decisions; expect staffs to trade a few 50+ attempts for punts when winds spike.

What’s Next

• Giants: A timely bye to reset special-teams mechanics, clarify the edge rotation, and recalibrate early-series calls.

• Patriots: A December stretch heavy on seeding implications; complementary football is the blueprint—efficient QBing, hidden-yardage wins, and mistake-free kicking.

• Commanders: All eyes on Jayden Daniels’ status; if he’s cleared, the playbook widens and the down-to-down stress on defenses spikes.

The viral Giants kicker miss captured the night, but the broader lesson was familiar—details decide December. New England nailed them, New York didn’t, and Washington’s week will hinge on the most important detail of all: the QB’s health.