Posted on Sep 08
Bengals suffer surprising loss to Patriots, Taylor frustrated by turnovers and missed tackles
u/alex •
Bengals suffer surprising loss to Patriots in season opener
Why it matters: The Bengals' unexpected defeat raises concerns about their performance and ability to start the season on a strong note.
The heavily favored Cincinnati Bengals were stunned by the New England Patriots in a 16-10 upset during their season opener. The loss adds to the team's struggles in season openers since Zac Taylor became the head coach in 2019, with a record of 1-5.
Yes, but: Despite the disappointing outcome, there were several contributing factors to the Bengals' defeat that need to be considered.
- Cincinnati had two turnovers, including a crucial fumble that cost them a potential game-tying touchdown.
- Tackling issues plagued the team, leading to missed opportunities and allowing the Patriots to rush for 170 yards.
- Linebacker Germaine Pratt acknowledged the importance of tackling and highlighted its significance during training camp.
What's new: Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase played despite battling food poisoning and not receiving a contract extension. He made an impact with six catches for 62 yards, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Quarterback Joe Burrow made his return from a season-ending wrist injury, completing 21 of 29 passes for 164 yards. While his performance was solid, it wasn't enough to secure a victory for the Bengals.
The bottom line: The Bengals face the challenge of breaking their three-year losing streak in Week 1, the longest in the league. Moving forward, they will need to address their tackling issues and capitalize on offensive opportunities to bounce back and regain momentum.