Bengals vs. Patriots: Full Report Card Grades for New England: Bill Belichick likes to tell people to pump the brakes after big wins. Following frenzied speculation about the New England Patriots demise, it appears we should have followed his mantra after last weeks devastating loss. In pummeling the previously undefeated Cincinnati Bengals, 43-17, the Pats played their best game under the most adverse circumstances they have faced in years. The Patriots started fast for the first time this year, driving 80 yards on their opening drive for a touchdown. After New England had gone three-and-out on their first drive each of the past four weeks, the opening drive illustrated the sense of urgency the Pats played with all night. Tom Brady and Co. turned to a more uptempo pace, employing two-tight end and three-receiver sets on various drives throughout the first half. New England scored touchdowns on each of its first two drives, reversing a disturbing pattern of slow starts that had plagued them throughout the seasons opening quarter. Defensively, the Patriots employed an aggressive press coverage scheme, clogging the middle of the field and forcing Andy Dalton to attack New England through the perimeter. Dalton had thrived throughout the season in a controlled scheme that allowed him to hit a variety of screens and intermediate routes in the middle of the field, but the Pats were able to stop the run and force the fourth-year quarterback out of his comfort zone. Injuries ravaged the defense in the second half, allowing Cincinnati to pick up some big chunk plays, but New Englands responses on offense demonstrated impressive mental toughness. New England answered each of the Bengals two second-half touchdown drives with an immediate touchdown of its own. Given how easily the Pats have folded at times this season, it was undeniably encouraging to see them repress any hint of a Bengals rally throughout the contest. Injuries and penalties were the only negatives for the Pats on the night. The defense was especially ravaged, as Darrelle Revis, Dominique Easley and Devin McCourty were all injured on the night. Meanwhile, the Pats continued to demonstrate inconsistent discipline, committing 12 penalties for a whopping 114 total yards. Nonetheless, it is hard to complain after the Patriots silenced the loud chorus of critics. Read on for full analysis from an extremely telling New England victory. Begin Slideshow #Football #NFL #AFCEast #NewEnglandPatriots
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 07:06:24 +0000
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