The New England Patriots are hitting the street to open their 2024 season, going through off towards the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday at 1pm. This marks the fourth time the Pats will kick off a marketing campaign towards the Bengals, and the primary since a 38-24 blowout win again in 2010. However don’t sleep on Cincy—this matchup at Paycor Stadium might be a nail-biter.
Throwback to ’72? The final time the Pats opened the season in Cincinnati was an extended 52 years in the past, in 1972. That recreation? Let’s simply say it didn’t go too nicely for New England. The Bengals crushed them, 31-7. Since then, issues have been a bit extra favorable for the Pats. Robert Kraft’s first victory as staff proprietor got here towards these similar Bengals in 1994, with an exciting 31-28 win on the previous Riverfront Stadium.
Pats Lead the Collection Traditionally, New England’s bought the higher hand, main the all-time sequence 17-10. They’ve gained seven of the final ten matchups. Final December, although, the Bengals managed a 22-18 squeaker at Gillette Stadium—Cincy’s first win there in 5 tries.
Run Sport Struggles Loom If the Patriots wish to stroll away with a W, they’ll want to repair their struggling run recreation. Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson have proven flashes however couldn’t persistently break by means of defenses in preseason. Bengals defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins and B.J. Hill are able to plug any gaps.
Brissett Underneath Stress Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett is again for his second stint with the staff, however going through Cincinnati’s lethal go rush duo—Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard—is not any cakewalk. Add in New England’s injury-riddled offensive line, and Brissett might want to get the ball out fast if he needs to keep away from spending opening day on the turf.
Burrow’s Prepared, Chase Isn’t On the opposite facet, Bengals QB Joe Burrow is lastly wholesome heading into Week 1. He’s dodged the harm bug that’s plagued him the final three seasons, however star wideout Ja’Marr Chase won’t be suiting up as a result of contract points. If Chase doesn’t play, the Patriots protection will nonetheless have their arms full with Tee Higgins and rookie Andrei Iosivas.
Opening Day Woes The Pats haven’t gained a season opener since 2020, and this yr they’ve bought 28 new faces on the roster. With Jerod Mayo making his head teaching debut, and Brissett below heart, the Pats want to shake up their latest unhealthy luck and begin the season with a bang.
Will New England pull off an upset in Cincy, or will Burrow and Co. add one other “L” to the Pats’ opening day column? Buckle up—this one’s going to be a wild experience.
Like Newport Buzz? We rely on the generosity of readers such as you who assist us, to assist with our mission to maintain you knowledgeable and entertained with native, impartial information and content material. We actually respect your belief and assist!
