"Because the Patriots were not only excited to finally get to their bye week but also to show off on national television for the last time until the playoffs, they played with an edge against the Giants in a way that was indicative of a Vrabel-led team. That was particularly true of the defense, which was hitting hard all night and, in some cases, being penalized because of it."
"That looked like it was going to be true for linebacker Christian Elliss, who made headlines for his dramatic hit on quarterback Jaxson Dart, only for the Giants to get flagged for unnecessary roughness as a result of that play instead. It prompted many to believe Elliss would later be fined for his conduct, despite the play being completely legal, because Dart refused to step out of bounds, and, as the Patriots knew, the NFL chose not to send a fine to Foxboro,"
The Patriots hosted the Giants in Monday Night Football and played with noticeable physicality, reflecting a Vrabel-led identity. The defense hit hard throughout the game and drew several penalties on contact plays. Linebacker Christian Elliss delivered a dramatic sideline hit on quarterback Jaxson Dart that resulted in a Giants unnecessary-roughness flag rather than a penalty or fine on Elliss. Many expected a fine for Elliss, but the NFL fined Giants tight end Theo Johnson $6,488 instead, and Elliss was not fined because the hit was deemed legal. The Patriots' defense showed stronger form compared with an earlier season marked by missed tackles.
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