Patriots Win Jerod Mayo’s Debut as Coach with a 16-10 Victory over the Bengals
The New England Patriots kicked off the 2024 NFL season with a solid win against the Cincinnati Bengals, securing a 16-10 victory. The game marked Jerod Mayo’s debut as the Patriots’ coach, and he started his tenure on a positive note. Rhamondre Stevenson played a crucial role in the Patriots’ success, rushing for an impressive 120 yards and scoring a touchdown in the first quarter.
The Patriots’ quarterback situation was an interesting storyline heading into the game. Jacoby Brissett, a seasoned veteran, was given the starting nod over first-round draft pick Drake Maye. While Brissett may not have delivered an exceptional performance, he managed the game effectively, holding onto the ball and keeping the Patriots’ offense moving against a slow-starting Cincinnati defense.
The Patriots set the tone early in the game with a methodical 80-yard drive in the first quarter. Brissett orchestrated this impressive drive, which included six first downs and culminated in a 3-yard touchdown run by Stevenson. On the other hand, the Bengals struggled in the first half with three consecutive three-and-outs. They had an opportunity to score in the second quarter when Joe Burrow led them into the red zone, but a crucial fumble at the goal line by tight end Tanner Hudson turned the tide in the Patriots’ favor. Marcus Jones recovered the fumble and returned it 17 yards, denying the Bengals any points.
In the second half, the Patriots took advantage of the Bengals’ mistakes. Cincinnati’s Charlie Jones fumbled a punt, leading to a Patriots field goal. The Bengals also came up short on a fourth-down pass, turning the ball over. However, Cincinnati managed to find the end zone in the third quarter with a 5-yard touchdown run by Zack Moss. Evan McPherson’s 51-yard field goal narrowed the Patriots’ lead to 16-10.
With 2:56 left on the clock, the Bengals had a chance to mount a comeback. However, they failed to secure a first down and decided to punt. Rhamondre Stevenson came up big for the Patriots, rushing for two crucial first downs, allowing them to run out the clock and secure the win.
Despite the loss, Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase had a solid performance with six catches for 62 yards. Quarterback Joe Burrow completed 21 of 29 passes for 164 yards. On the other side, Jacoby Brissett went 15 of 24 for 121 yards, doing enough to guide the Patriots to victory.
Looking ahead, the Patriots will face a tough challenge as they host the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bengals will travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs. It will be interesting to see how both teams bounce back from this game and adjust their strategies moving forward in the season.
In conclusion, the New England Patriots started their season on a positive note, securing a 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Jerod Mayo’s coaching debut. Rhamondre Stevenson’s impressive performance and the Bengals’ mistakes played a significant role in the outcome of the game. Both teams will now shift their focus to their upcoming matchups and look to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses as the season progresses.
