Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) – New England Patriots (1-0): 10-16
Will he play? Will he not play? The uncertainty for the Bengals was the participation of Ja'Marr Chase in the first game of the season. And while the star did well on the pitch (6 receptions, 62 yards), the Bengals were surprised by the opportunistic Patriots.
Harmless Bengals
The Bengals start the game in the worst possible way. Between uninspired choices and soft hands, Joe Burrow (21/29, 164 yards, sacked 3 times) and his teammates are mediocre. If we must recognize the defensive solidity of Jerod Mayo's men, Cincinnati is certainly better than three 3-and-outs in a row. Especially when we know that the first offensive series are scripted and rehearsed in training the week before the game. Simply unworthy. To drink the chalice to the dregs, Tight End Tanner Hudson lets the ball slip away one yard from the end zone on the following series. An ordeal.
The Patriots aren't particularly brilliant offensively, but Jacoby Brissett (15/24, 121 yards, sacked 1 time) leads a clean 14-play drive. New England can especially rely on a running game that works in the first half, under the battering rams of Rhamondre Stevenson (25 carries, 120 yards, 1 touchdown).
(Small) reaction of pride… too late
In the second half, the Patriots, still limited offensively, stalled. Their lead (13-0 until the end of the third quarter) began to shrink. Cincinnati's new starting runner, Zack Moss, began his scoring: 9 carries, 44 yards, 1 touchdown. The ground game may have been too much ignored by the residents of Paul Brown Stadium.
It's too little, it's too late, a few field goal exchanges later and the Pats seal a valuable victory to launch the Mayo regime. The Bengals need to get their heads straight quickly. Starting seasons off badly is becoming a nasty habit in Cincinnati. Two straight losses to start the season in 2022 and 2023. A three-game losing streak in 2024? Likely, as the Bengals play the Chiefs next week.
