Cincinnati Bengals Disappointed After Mistake-Prone Loss to Patriots

CINCINNATI — Expectations were high for the Cincinnati Bengals as they kicked off their season. With star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase in the lineup and quarterback Joe Burrow back after a full training camp, the Bengals were heavily favored against a New England Patriots team undergoing significant changes.

However, the outcome was far from what anyone anticipated. Instead of a triumphant start, the Bengals suffered a surprising 16-10 defeat to the Patriots. This loss marked one of the most stunning upsets in recent season openers, as Cincinnati entered the game as 7.5-point favorites against a New England squad that only secured four victories in the previous season and was playing under new head coach Jerod Mayo.

According to ESPN Research, this upset is the most significant Week 1 surprise since 2018, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to beat the New Orleans Saints as a 10-point underdog.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor expressed his frustration following the game, citing poor performance as the main reason for the outcome. “It’s just frustrating that we didn’t play well enough to win,” Taylor remarked. He noted that turnovers and missed tackles were pivotal factors contributing to the loss.

Since Taylor took the helm in 2019, Cincinnati has struggled in season openers, now holding a disappointing record of 1-5. The coach emphasized two critical turnovers that hurt the team. In a crucial moment during the second quarter, tight end Tanner Hudson fumbled just shy of the goal line, costing the Bengals a chance to even the score. Later, the game worsened as wide receiver Charlie Jones fumbled a punt return, allowing the Patriots to recover.

The Bengals’ defense also had a tough outing, allowing 170 rushing yards, with Rhamondre Stevenson leading the charge for New England with 120 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries. Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt acknowledged the defensive struggles, indicating that inadequate tackling practice during camp contributed to their challenges on the field.

“Obviously, tackling is huge,” Pratt stated. “Being able to tackle guys over and over again gets you in football shape.” The team’s lack of preparation was evident, as they failed to execute fundamental defensive responsibilities.

One of the significant narratives heading into the game was whether Chase would play, given the absence of a contract extension prior to the season. Not only did Chase take the field, but he did so while battling food poisoning he had contracted just a day before the game. Despite these challenges, he had a solid performance, recording six receptions on six targets for 62 yards. After the game, Chase mentioned needing IV fluids to recover.

Chase expressed his desire to have had more opportunities to impact the game differently, while deflecting any discussion about contract issues and saying that any questions about missing downfield looks should be directed to Coach Taylor.

Adding to their difficulties, the Bengals played without Tee Higgins, who was inactive due to a hamstring injury sustained just days earlier in practice.

On the field, Burrow completed 21 of 29 passes for 164 yards in his first game since a wrist injury sidelined him last season. However, only six of those passes were aimed at targets ten or more yards downfield, indicating a reluctance to push the ball deep. Burrow acknowledged the Patriots’ defensive strategy, stating, “They were taking it away. They did a good job. I was just taking what the defense gave me.” He expressed confidence that he would gain comfort as the season progressed.

Despite the hope of moving on from this unexpected setback, the mood in the Bengals’ locker room was one of confusion and concern about the loss. With three consecutive Week 1 defeats, Cincinnati now holds the longest active losing streak in opening games, as confirmed by ESPN Research. The Bengals have also struggled historically, winning fewer than two games within the first two weeks of the season since 2019.

As they prepare for their next game against the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, who have an impressive 9-2 record during the same period, the Bengals must overcome their disappointing start. Chase emphasized the need for a quick turnaround, asserting, “We have to forget about it and move on to the next week.”