The time has nearly come for Cincinnati Bengals vs New England Patriots to kick off what looks to be a promising season in the Queen City. Last year, the season effectively ended in Week 10 and despite a strong effort from Jake Browning, the Bengals finished at the bottom of the AFC North with a 9-8 record. This offseason has been filled to the brim with both narratives and optimism for this year.
It all starts with the dynasty of the 2000s and 2010s. Things have changed in Foxboro and it’s an entirely new team. Still, it’s the NFL and you can’t overlook a single team on the schedule. Cincinnati is still the same team that lost to the Mike White-led New York Jets team in that AFC Championship season.
There are a handful of questions hovering around this team, as is the case with every team. With a solid performance, the Bengals head to Kansas City 1-0.
Four Questions for the Bengals vs Patriots
1. What in the World Will the Receiver Corps Look Like?
So…there are a lot of concerns in Cincinnati regarding both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Starting with the injury. Higgins evidently tweaked his hamstring during Wednesday’s practice and was officially tabbed as “Doubtful” for Week 1. This is the sixth hamstring injury for the former second-rounder, dating back to his days at Clemson. As anyone who has suffered any kind of hamstring injury, they’re annoying. He was limited at practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
However, when interviewed at his locker, he said, “I’m physically fine and mentally ready. Ready to put on a show.” So, there’s plenty of confusion.
Additionally, Chase is considered “Questionable.” His well-documented contract negotiations and hold-in have taken up to the beginning of the regular season. He was holding in throughout the summer and through Training Camp. Then, he practiced twice before head coach Zac Taylor said he expected Chase to play. Then, Chase went back to holding in.
All in all, he has practiced in a limited capacity since Wednesday. While meeting with the media, he said he is a game-time decision and that decision is his alone. He did mention that he would be willing to play without a contract, so who knows?
Either way, Andrei Iosivas looks primed for a breakout.
2. How Healthy is the Most Expensive Wrist in Franchise History?
Joe Burrow suffered torn ligaments in his throwing hand on a hit against the Baltimore Ravens. He played a single play on it — and threw a touchdown — before being taken out and ending his season. He had surgery and rehabbed his way back to playing in the preseason and, for the first time in his career, had a normal Training Camp.
This team goes as Burrow goes. Last year, it took him a few weeks to get back after that freak calf injury. Over his first four weeks, Burrow completed 57.6% of his passes for 728 yards (182 yards per game) for two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Then, over his next five games leading up to that Ravens game that knocked him out, Burrow completed 74.1% of his passes for 1,480 yards (296 yards per game) and 12 touchdowns with four interceptions. That run included a four-game winning streak and commanding wins over NFC Champions San Francisco 49ers and perennial AFC threat Buffalo Bills.
When he’s healthy, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league. How healthy is he? Even without one or both stud receivers, Burrow is expected to lead the Bengals offense to a win over the Patriots.
3. Can the Defensive Line Step Up Against a Weaker Offensive Line?
The defensive line of the Bengals vs. Patriots will be a major talking point…or it should be.
This offseason, the team lost D.J. Reader to the Detroit Lions and replaced him with two draft picks on the interior (neither of which will play on Sunday) and Sheldon Rankins. Even with that, the Bengals’ rush defense needs to improve.
With a weak offensive line expected from the Patriots — they are expecting to start Bengals legend Michael Jordan at guard — New England is going to run the ball. Rhamondre Stevenson is a stud of a running back and Cincinnati will need to contain him as they did in 2022 (13 rushes for 30 yards).
The key will be on passing downs. Trey Hendrickson and whoever is rushing the quarterback alongside him have to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of them. Jacoby Brissett has been named the starting quarterback over rookie Drake Maye and this will be his fourth appearance against Cincinnati and is 1-1 as a starter.
The Patriots’ offensive line is expected to be so weak that the team likely decided to go with Brissett over Maye to save the rookie from a year-long beating.
Hendrickson, B.J. Hill, Sam Hubbard, Myles Murphy, and Joseph Ossai need to step up and dictate the Patriots offense.
4. How Improved is the Secondary?
Last year, the secondary struggled a bit. When it all came down to it, the safeties and corners did not communicate efficiently and effectively. There were a few standouts like Cam Taylor-Britt and the breakout of Jordan Battle but as a whole, there were massive issues.
This offseason, the team added former Raven Geno Stone and brought back veteran leader, Vonn Bell, all while moving Dax Hill to corner. Now, the secondary looks like it’s humming.
According to Logan Wilson, Bell “never shuts up.” As one of the captains for the 2024 season, Bell has gotten back to commanding the defense and calling out concepts. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo called him a “calming factor.”
Last year, the Bengals gave up the most yards per play in the NFL. With Bell with the Carolina Panthers, their defense was top-four despite that terrible record.
Against the Patriots, the secondary likely won’t be tested as much. However, they can use it to iron out any kinks and lapses in communication. Patrick Mahomes lies in wait on a long week. They’ll have to be on their best behavior against the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champs.
Main Image: Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
