New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 8th 2024
Preview and Prediction
CINCINNATI The Cincinnati Bengals are filled with anticipation and a sense of uncertainty as the New England Patriots prepare to embark on a new era in the opening game of the 2024 season on Sunday afternoon.
After suffering a season-ending wrist injury last November and undergoing surgery, Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow made his first appearance in the preseason, but did not play for the remainder of the exhibition schedule.
Burrow had a successful outing, completing 5 of 7 passes for 51 yards and throwing a 10-yard touchdown to Tee Higgins in a 17-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 10. He then participated in joint practices with the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts. Now, Burrow, who recovered from ACL and MCL tears in his rookie season (2020), is confident and ready for Week 1.
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"I feel completely healthy and physically strong, and I am prepared to do what is necessary," Burrow stated. "When you have those types of injuries, it is a process throughout the season, similar to the knee. Some days you feel good, and other days you do not, but you improve as the season progresses."
Burrow's return to form would greatly benefit the Bengals' chances of reaching the Super Bowl, which may also depend on the performance of star receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who has been embroiled in a contract dispute.
Chase returned to practice on Wednesday, but was limited. His participation could indicate a willingness to play in Sunday's season opener, depending on his readiness after missing all of training camp and the preseason.
"I am confident he will play very well," Burrow said of Chase. "We will see on Sunday. I do not have any expectations for what that will look like. I know that if he is on the field, he will be a great player."
Chase's holdout has revolved around his desire for a contract extension similar to that of his former LSU teammate and Minnesota Vikings star, Justin Jefferson, who signed a four-year, $140 million extension with $110 million guaranteed on June 3.
The Patriots are entering a new era, as for the first time since 1999, Bill Belichick will not be coaching the team. After winning six Super Bowls and reaching three others, the Patriots are in a rebuilding phase with new head coach Jerod Mayo, a former player and assistant coach for New England.
After a disappointing 4-13 season, the Patriots selected quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick in this year's draft. He saw significant playing time in the preseason, but it will be veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett who will start against the Bengals.
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Under Mayo's leadership, the key for New England will be dominating the trenches.
"We need to go out there and control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. We also need to perform well on special teams, but it all starts with the line of scrimmage," Mayo explained. "It is about controlling the line of scrimmage and controlling the game. ...
"The Bengals have a high-powered team. They possess a high-powered offense, and their defense is aggressive because they know they have a high-powered offense."
Guard Sidy Sow missed practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Defensive back Jonathan Jones (hamstring) and linebacker Joshua Uche (foot) were among those limited.
Mike Petraglia,
New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals Recap SEP 8TH 2024
CINCINNATI -- New England avoided mistakes and controlled the ball to upset the Bengals, 16-10, to win head coach Jerod Mayo's debut on Sunday afternoon.
Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries and Keion White had 2.5 sacks, leading a strong defensive effort that stunted Cincinnati's big-pay offense.
Joey Slye converted three field goals, including two in the second half that prevented the Bengals from closing within more than six points. New England sacked Burrow three times and capitalized on two turnovers.
Joe Burrow was held to 164 yards on 21-of-29 passing and no touchdowns. Ja'Marr Chase had six catches on six targets for 62 yards.
Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 15 of 14 passes for 121 yards.
Following a team-record 80-yard punt from rookie Ryan Rehkow, the Patriots marched down the field for the first points of the game, a 3-yard Stevenson run into the end zone untouched for a 7-0 Patriots lead on the first play of the second quarter.
Tanner Hudson caught a Burrow pass and was running toward the goal line when Patriots safety Kyle Dugger stripped the ball at the Patriots 2. Marcus Jones returned it to the New England 18. The Patriots pushed the ball to the Cincinnati 14 over the final five minutes of the half and added to their lead with a 32-yard Slye field goal to grab a 10-0 advantage.
Slye added another field goal and gave the Patriots a 13-0 lead after recovering a fumble by Patriots return man Charlie Jones.
The Bengals finally broke through with a nine-play, 90-yard drive in the third quarter. Running back Zack Moss plunged in for a 5-yard score up the middle after Burrow had last a fumble at the 10, recovered by the Patriots. But Burrow was ruled down before the ball came out.
Burrow dropped to 1-4 in season openers.