Seven Takeaways As Patriots Survive Slow Start Against Bengals

The Patriots overcame some self-inflicted wounds during their matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

New England started extremely slowly, saw several starters leave the game with injuries and looked as bad as they have all season offensively — but ultimately walked away from Paycor Stadium with a 26-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

I’ve got your takeaways:

DEFINITION OF DISASTER

Jared Wilson and Will Campbell, two rookie offensive linemen who have helped solidify the unit, were both carted off the field on Sunday.

It’s hard to think of any other way to describe it — that’s an abject disaster.

Wilson (ankle) and Campbell (knee) both struggled to get to the sideline under their own power, and were ultimately carted to the locker room. Wilson’s injury came on the first offensive series of the game, and he was ultimately replaced by Ben Brown. Campbell’s injury came in the final offensive drive of the third quarter, and he was replaced by Vederian Lowe.

Morgan Moses also left for a brief period, but ultimately returned.

The Patriots aren’t built to withstand injuries along the offensive line, but these hurt even worse considering they’re going to impact the unit’s only two long-term building blocks. If they’re able to return within the next three weeks, things might not be so bad — but you don’t want to enter matchups with the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills without your two best offensive linemen…

DAY MAYE DREAMING

Drake Maye follows a similar script every week — he sails a few throws and makes mistakes early in the game, then flips a switch and becomes the best player on the field.

It’s honestly pretty impressive how consistently inconsistent he’s been…

Maye started just 3-of-7 on Sunday — a stretch that was punctuated with a pick-six by Bengals safety Geno Stone — before finishing 22-of-35 for a career-high 294 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Maye’s worst completion percentage (64.71%), yardage total (548) and number of first down completions (24) come in the first quarter — and although his numbers across the other three are typically enough to make up for it — that needs to change.

GOT FIVE ON IT

The Patriots play more nickel defense (76%) than almost anyone, trailing just the Seattle Seahawks (84%) and Atlanta Falcons (77%).

It’s probably because it works…

Marcus Jones has not only been the club’s best coverage defender against tight ends and running backs, but he also serves as one of its most impactful run defenders — leading the team in interceptions (3) and pass deflections (10), and ranking fifth in total tackles (45).

Jones added to his interceptions total on Sunday, as he returned his third on the season for a touchdown that completely flipped the momentum of an eventual victory over Cincinnati.

DUALITY OF VRABEL

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is nothing if not versatile.

Vrabel has been both extremely aggressive and impressively pragmatic in end-of-half situations this season — and ultimately presses the right button every time.

New England took the aggressive approach in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, forgoing three points and looking for the knockout blow on fourth down from the two-yard line with just seconds left on the clock — and were ultimately rewarded on a beautiful fade ball from Drake Maye to Stefon Diggs.

New England then elected to take the points in a similar situation Sunday, passing up an opportunity to convert on fourth down and take multiple shots at the end zone, which resulted in a four-point lead at halftime that would prove to be the difference in a one-score victory.

MISSING MILTON WILLIAMS

New England’s run defense has taken a serious step back this season.

Bengals running back Chase Brown (103) became the fourth player to eclipse 50 rushing yards in a single game against them this season — joining New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (67) and running back Breece Hall (58), and Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (53).

It’s fairly obvious to see where that trend started.

Milton Williams was placed on injured reserve last week, and his absence has coincided with three of those four rushing performances. Christian Barmore, for as tremendous ah he’s been, isn’t as impactful in the running game — and neither are Corey Durden, Khyiris Tonga or Joshua Farmer.

The Patriots will soon have to contend with the first- and fifth-ranked rushing attacks, respectively.

I’d imagine there will be some changes made to personnel grouping in an effort to help put.

WOOF!

The Patriots have a new nominee for worst drive of the season…

New England had an opportunity to extend its lead by two scores on the first drive of the second half, but failed to punch the ball into the end zone in a goal-to-go situation on nine straight plays. Cincinnati aided the effort with two defensive penalties that reset the chains, but ultimately the drive ended with zero points.

Maye was also stuffed at the goal line two drives later, which forced a field goal attempt.

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has been tremendous with his play design throughout the season, but the lack of creativity in the red zone has been glaring.

ANDRES PRO BOWL-EGALES

It’s bad. I know.

Andres Borregales has been one of the very best kickers in the NFL, though!

Borregales is now 19-for-21 on the season after his perfect performance on Sunday — which included makes from 41, 45, 19 and 52. New England stuck with him through early struggles, and that trust has paid off tremendously.