Poor Run Defense, Missed Chances Define Bengals Week 1 Loss
Cara Owsley/Imagn Images
Zac Taylor’s reputation of struggling in the early part of the season was worsened on Sunday, as the Bengals fell to the Patriots 16-10.
New England quarterback Jacoby Brissett managed the game effectively by keeping the Patriots offense on the field. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson was highly productive against a depleted Bengals’ rush defense, garnering 25 rushes for 120 yards and a critical touchdown to put the Patriots on the board.
Rhamondre Stevenson @NFLFantasy owners refreshing their app to make sure they got their points
📺: #NEvsCIN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/ax9jnbPgEz— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024
Cincinnati’s defense significantly struggled to bring him down, as 109 of his 120 yards came after contact. He forced twelve missed tackles today; as of this recap, no other NFL running back totaled more than five.
The biggest story on offense for the Bengals involved blown opportunities. Shortly before halftime, Joe Burrow and Mike Gesicki very nearly connected on a touchdown to cap off a drive that began on the Bengals’ own 35 yard line. However, Gesicki couldn’t maintain possession of the ball and the touchdown call was overturned.
The very next play, Joe Burrow and Tanner Hudson connected up the middle, and Hudson very nearly ran it in. Unfortunately, his erratic handling of the football near the goal line made it easier for the Patriots to force a game-altering turnover.
WOW TANNER HUDSON FUMBLING RIGHT BEFORE THE END ZONE AND NEW ENGLAND RECOVERSpic.twitter.com/v8x6B6OLxl
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 8, 2024
It was one of two crucial turnovers forced by the Patriots in the game. Near the beginning of the first quarter, Charlie Jones coughed up a punt return, which allowed the Patriots offense to gain control of the ball in field goal range.
Cincinnati’s opportunities were few and far between, as the offense was largely inefficient. The Bengals did not convert a first down until nearly 20 minutes into the game, and their lone touchdown, a five yard run by Zack Moss, didn’t happen until the end of the third quarter.
“It’s obvious,” Ja’Marr Chase said about the team’s problems. “Just turnovers and we gotta get first downs and move the ball.”
Cincinnati is now starting their season 0-1 for the 5th time in Zac Taylor’s sixth year as head coach. They look to get back on track as they travel to Kansas City and take on the Chiefs.
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