How ’bout them Patriots?
Few gave New England a chance to beat the Bengals on Sunday. Sure, Cincinnati would be without Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase might be limited, but Joe Burrow still would be under center. And there simply was no way Jacoby Brissett would score this kind of upset in his first game as the starter.
Well, good thing games aren’t played on paper or at sportsbooks.
The Jerod Mayo era began with a wire-to-wire victory at Paycor Stadium, as the Patriots controlled the line of scrimmage and earned a 16-10 victory over a projected Super Bowl contender.
Brissett did just enough in a professional effort, and Rhamondre Stevenson starred with 25 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown.
But the story of the day was the Patriots’ defense, which limited the Bengals to just 224 yards and 13 first downs. New England’s offense was better in both categories, finishing with 290 yards and 17 first downs.
Burrow completed 21 of 29 passes for 164 yards, 62 of which were delivered by Chase. Running back Zack Moss contributed Cincinnati’s only touchdown.
The Patriots also forced two turnovers and, perhaps most importantly, committed just five penalties. Remarkably, the much-maligned offensive line was flagged for just one procedural penalty, a false start from Vederian Lowe.
Let’s look at three studs and three duds from the Patriots’ impressive Week 1 win over the Bengals.
Best Players for Patriots in Win Over Bengals
DL Keion White
If you still were wondering why the Patriots were comfortable trading Matthew Judon this summer, Keion White gave you the answer on Sunday.
Keion White, good lord. pic.twitter.com/Joedx9vfsG
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) September 8, 2024
The second-year defensive end carried his excellent training camp into the regular season, finishing with four tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. He was relentless throughout the game and caused a lot of problems for Cincy’s offensive line.
A popular preseason breakout candidate, White began his sophomore campaign in impressive fashion.
QB Jacoby Brissett
Brissett’s stats won’t blow you away: 15-for-24 for 121 yards and zero touchdowns. But the veteran made few mistakes, managed consistent pressure from Cincy’s defense, and made multiple big plays on third downs. He also ran seven times for 32 yards.
Jacoby wheels for a first down 🔥@JBrissett12 | #NEvsCIN
đź“ş: CBS pic.twitter.com/vBTwKxFbCn
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 8, 2024
If you still were wondering why Brissett was named the starter over Drake Maye, you now have your answer.
Brissett is not as talented as Maye, but he’s currently more equipped to win a close, physical game like the one we saw on Sunday.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson
Criminally overlooked, Stevenson reminded everyone that he’s a franchise running back when healthy. The fourth-year pro ran hard and looked a bit quicker than in previous seasons. His tough running late in the fourth quarter put the game away for the Patriots.
.@dreeday32 IS MOVING ➡️
đź“ş: CBS pic.twitter.com/8om9AMZcXI
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 8, 2024
With Antonio Gibson serving as the top passing-down back, the Patriots could boast one of the NFL’s best running back tandems this season.
Honorable mentions: Kyle Dugger, Marcus Jones, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Joe Cardona, Austin Hooper, Joey Slye
Players Who Struggled in Patriots Win
OT Chukwuma Okorafor
The Chukwuma Okorafor-at-left-tackle experiment might be over.
Okorafor was benched for Vederian Lowe after allowing three QB pressures on Brissett’s first seven dropbacks. The offseason free agent addition didn’t look comfortable at left tackle all summer, and Sunday’s performance might be the final nail in the coffin. Plus, Lowe is arguably the better player.
Okorafor shouldn’t see any further snaps at left tackle unless injuries force the Patriots to play him there.
Wide Receivers
Patriots receivers weren’t necessarily bad in this game, and consistent pressure from the Bengals limited opportunities for Brissett and the passing game. Still, Patriots wideouts combined for just 66 yards on eight catches, led by Tyquan Thornton’s two catches for 27 yards.
It was enough to win this game, but the Patriots obviously will need more from their receivers in future games.
S Dell Pettus
I’m being way too harsh on the undrafted rookie, but Pettus lands in this section due to his procedural penalty on the opening kickoff. It was a rookie mistake, but there’s no excuse.
Honorable mentions: K.J. Osborn