CINCINNATI (AP) — Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 120 yards and scored a touchdown in the first quarter as the New England Patriots secured a 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, marking Jerod Mayo’s debut as head coach. Joey Slye contributed by kicking three field goals.
Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett, stepping in for first-round draft pick Drake Maye, was not spectacular but managed to control the game well enough to lead the offense. He orchestrated a steady 80-yard drive in the opening quarter that culminated in Stevenson’s 3-yard touchdown run.
The Bengals struggled offensively in the first half, going three-and-out on their initial three possessions. Joe Burrow was unable to convert a promising drive into points in the second quarter; after connecting with tight end Tanner Hudson, a crucial play ended when safety Kyle Dugger stripped the ball at the goal line, allowing cornerback Marcus Jones to return it 17 yards.
In the second half, Cincinnati’s Charlie Jones fumbled a punt, enabling the Patriots to add a field goal. The Bengals then failed to convert on a fourth-down attempt, resulting in a turnover.
Cincinnati finally found the end zone late in the third quarter with a 5-yard run from Zack Moss, and Evan McPherson’s 51-yard field goal narrowed the Patriots’ lead to 16-10. However, the Bengals’ hopes faded when they regained possession with just under three minutes left but failed to secure a first down and opted to punt. Stevenson then helped run out the clock for New England with a couple of first downs.
Ja’Marr Chase, whose status had been uncertain due to a pending contract extension, caught six passes for 62 yards, while Burrow completed 21 of 29 passes for 164 yards. Brissett finished the game with 15 completions on 24 attempts for 121 yards.
Next, the Patriots will host the Seattle Seahawks, while the Bengals head to Kansas City for their upcoming matchup.