The Bengals extended their winning streak on Saturday against the New England Patriots. They came out firing in the 1st half, getting out to a 22-0 lead. However, the 2nd half was a different story, as mishaps contributed to the Patriots cutting the lead down to only 4 points. It was a clutch play by the defence that finally stopped the bleeding, and allowed the Bengals to secure the win.
The Good:
- WR, Trenton Irwin
Playing behind the bengals big trio, Irwin has continued to make an impact with less opportunity. He only caught three passes against the Patriots, but a 23 yard TD highlighted it, and he later caught another TD from close range. He totaled 45 yards on the day.
- WR, Tee Higgins
Higgins continued his stellar season on Saturday. He got things going on offence, with a couple of downfield catches, and really set the tone.. Higgins totaled 8 catches for 128 yards and a TD in this one.
- S, Vonn Bell & DT, BJ Hill
Bell and Hill combined for what was likely the game saving play for the Bengals. With the Patriots threatening to take the lead with very little time left, Bell punched the ball out of Stevenson’s arm, and Hill came up with the clutch recovery.
- DT, DJ Reader
Reader continues to make a huge impact against the run. He made it tough for New England’s strong rushing attack to get anything going. Further, his ability to take on blocks is what opened up the opportunity for Vonn Bell to force the fumble late in the game.
- CB, Eli Apple
Apple was outstanding in this one. He was consistently able to lock down his opponent, making it tough for the New England passing attack to get going. Even when they did get going, it was not at Apple’s expense. With Awuzie out for the year, Apple performance has helped keep the secondary afloat.
- Depth DL
Though Trey Hendrickson did return, Sam Hubbard was out. Partially as a result of this, the depth players have been getting more opportunities to play meaningful snaps. On Saturday, they came through. Cam Sample had a few nice plays off the edge, and got a sack. Josh Tupou managed to pick up a sack, and Joseph Ossai and Zach Carter each went for half a sack.
- LB, Logan Wilson
Wilson had a big impact on this game in a few different ways. Once again, he led the team in tackles, and did well to make sure that plays didn’t make it to the next level. As well, he picked up a sack and was able to force a fumble.
The Bad:
- K, Evan McPherson
Statistically speaking, McPherson went 1/2 on field goals and extra point attempts. However, he also missed a second extra point, but was bailed out by a New England penalty. However, the Bengals two point conversion attempt ended up being unsuccessful anyways. McPherson has been going through a rough patch lately, and will need to snap out of it with the importance of each game increasing.
- WR, Ja’Marr Chase
It is not the worst game you’ll ever see for a WR, but by Chase’s standards, it was a bad one. He had an important drop in this one, and also was involved in some miscommunication with Joe Burrow that led to a pick 6. As well, Chase committed a fumble that nearly cost the Bengals in the end. Luckily, Vonn Bell’s forced fumble and BJ Hill’s recovery bailed him out. But on the other side of it, 8 catches for 79 yards is pretty good for someone who ended up in the bad category. There shouldn’t be any worry about the miscues becoming a longer term issue.
- CB, Cam Taylor-Britt
Taylor-Britt looked to be tuning the corner, but has taken a few steps back in recent weeks. He was again picked on a little bit, and gave up some plays down the field. Eli Apple’s great play has somewhat hidden the issues, but CTB will need to cut down on the mistakes with playoff football right around the corner.
Modified Homescreen Image Via: Michael Li (CC)