New England used the running game to beat Cincinnati, but needs to pivot on Sunday if Seattle focuses on stopping the run.
New England Patriots
Rookie receiver quietly makes mark in season-opening win for Patriots
Ja’Lynn Polk made just one catch as New England relied in its ground game, but still made an impact in his NFL debut.
Patriots find inspiration from naysayers, critics to fuel Week 1 win
New England was an 8.5-point underdog against Cincinnati, but got off to a start to the season that few outside the locker room expected.
Patriots upset of Cincinnati was more than just a win
Commentary: New England won Jerod Mayo’s coaching debut, proving this is indeed a new day for the franchise.
Patriots beat Bengals in new coach Jerod Mayo’s first regular-season game
Rhamondre Stevenson rushes for 120 yards and a touchdown to lift New England to a 16-10 win over Cincinnati.
Patriots’ new era kicks off against Cincinnati
New head coach Jerod Mayo takes over for six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick and is leading a rebuild in New England.
Starting guard out for Patriots; Bengals may be without top two receivers
New England’s Sidy Sow won’t play at Cincinnati, while Ja’Maar Chase and Tee Higgins could be out for the Bengals
Patriots-Bengals: 5 things to know about New England’s Week 1 opponent
The Patriots enter as an underdog against Joe Burrow and (maybe) Ja’Marr Chase, but Cincinnati has also struggled in recent season openers.
Coach Jerod Mayo has to earn trust of Patriots fans
Mayo doesn’t have the credibility that former coach Bill Belichick earned on his way to six Super Bowls.
Not rushing quarterback Drake Maye is wise move for Patriots
NFL evaluators feel rushing the No. 3 pick in the draft on a team that has so many weaknesses, would be slow his development.