Week 10 Patriots vs Giants Snaps Counts: Patrick Chung Stands Out

The offensive line played the full game

For just the second time this season, the Patriots starting offensive line played 100% of the snaps throughout the game. Bryan Stork moved around in the goal line package, Shaq Mason played some fullback, and Chris Barker stepped up for four snaps, but the starters played wire to wire. The only other time was against the Jets in week 7.

James White took over for Dion Lewis

While the production was far from the same, with a mere 11 yards on two touches, White was asked to step in as the primary replacement for Lewis in the backfield. White played 28 snaps (38%), while Brandon Bolden played just 10 snaps (14%). It was definitely a shared role, but White was the guy. LeGarrette Blount played 38 snaps (52%).

Michael Williams was an extra offensive lineman

The Patriots third tight end played 41 snaps (56%) on the day, which meant that he ranked fourth of the offensive skill players in snaps, behind Rob Gronkowski (72/99%), Brandon LaFell (59/81%), and Danny Amendola (51/70%). Williams was asked to help block next to Cameron Fleming and Bryan Stork since the tackles needed all the help they could get.

First round defensive tackles lead the way

Dominique Easley and Malcom Brown played 33 snaps (44%) and led all defensive tackles. Alan Branch (23/31%), Akiem Hicks (22/29%), and Sealver Siliga (20/27%) were all fairly interchangeable. The Giants really wanted to catch the Patriots with the bigger defensive tackles on the field with their hurry-up offense to reduce the Patriots pass rush.

Jabaal Sheard was limited in his return

Sheard played 24 snaps (32%) in his return. Rob Ninkovich (69/92%) and Chandler Jones (67/89%) had to be ironmen for another week. Hopefully Sheard will be fully integrated for next week's game. Geneo Grissom didn't see a defensive snap.

Jonathan Freeny outsnapped Jerod Mayo

Don'ta Hightower played 100% of the snaps (75), but Freeny led the back-ups with 37 (49%) in an attempt to replace Jamie Collins. Mayo played 30 (40%) and Jon Bostic played 8 (11%). There's no question that Mayo is a better player than Freeny, but hopefully Collins will return and this won't happen again.

Justin Coleman limited by his wrist injury

Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan played 74 snaps (99%) and were absolutely fantastic on the day. The rookie Coleman had a little bit of a tougher day and was eventually benched after just 24 snaps (32%) for Rashaan Melvin (36/48%). The nickel defense was really important for the Patriots, and neither player rose to the challenge. Hopefully Coleman will heal up because he's been promising this year.

Patrick Chung had his highest usage all year

Chung played 74 snaps (99%) for his highest usage all season. The Giants offense really relied on their third down running back, Shane Vereen, and their tight end, Will Tye, and Chung was lock down pretty much all day. Devin McCourty played every saps (75/100%), while Duron Harmon had a limited day with 25 snaps (33%). Jordan Richards wasn't in the game plan since the Giants rarely use multiple tight end sets and played just 1 snap.

These players had 15+ special teams snaps:

Nate Ebner (27), Brandon King (25), Jordan Richards (20), Jonathan Freeny (20), Brandon Bolden (20), Matthew Slater 19), Eric Martin (18), Patrick Chung (17)