In the past two years, the Cincinnati Bengals have been unable to beat the New England Patriots. This is the third meeting between the two teams in three years. The Patriots are still unbeaten. The Bengals are currently 2-1 at Paul Brown Stadium, and have won their last two games on the road. However, the Bengals are now the defending Super Bowl champions and look to maintain that record by defeating the Patriots this Sunday.
The offense has struggled to overcome adversity in this week’s game against Cincinnati Bengals. With three minutes and 34 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, they were down by three touchdowns. The Bengals offense was once again shut out, as Giovani Bernard fumbled the ball late in the fourth quarter. Andre Smith was able to recover it and make it a field goal with a touchdown.
The Bengals’ defense has made their season-high seven-point favorite a nightmare, and Brady was unable to prevent it. Brady looked shaky due to the Bengals’ defense, but this game was one for the ages. The Bengals had the ball twice on their final drive, and Brady had to scramble to get the ball back. The Bengals had just a few seconds to take the lead.
Last season, the Bengals defense ranked 26th in pass defense. The Bengals have been competitive in corner and safety positions this season, with Darqueze Dennard and B.W. Webb, and Tony McRae all having recorded at least one interception. Though the Bengals aren’t the best team in the AFC, this game will provide a good measuring stick for their progress. The Patriots are in the AFC East, and the Bengals are the best team in the AFC North.
The Bengals’ offensive line has been a weakness this season, surrendering 43 sacks. Luckily, the Patriots’ linebackers have been much improved this year. But the team is still missing a big run this Sunday, which would have allowed the Bengals to take the lead. What can the Bengals do against the Patriots’ offensive line, then? There are many things you should look out for.
The Patriots have a number of impressive new players on their roster. Their starting line-up is stacked with high-profile talent. For example, OL Josh Kline is from Mason, OH. WR Kenbrell Thompkins played at the University of Cincinnati. In 2010-11, FB James Develin was part of the Bengals practice squad. DL Emmett Cleary, DB Nate Ebner, and DL Emmett Cleary went to Boston College as well as Ohio State.
Brady is on track to register his 40th career game with 30+ completions. Drew Brees and Peyton Manning both have 63 games that saw at least 30 completions. Brady is on track to surpass Peyton Manny’s record of 76,577 passing yards in a single season. Julian Edelman will need three receptions in order to catch Wes Welker, who has the record for most career TDs.