Pats / Bengals: 1st Q
The 1st quarter of this game has been scary for the Patriots. The Bengals seem to be able to move the ball up and down the field, almost at will. The bright spot has been that the defense has been able to hold Cincy to field goals. 6-0, Cincy.
Offensively, I thought the Patriots first drive looked good, except for the scary almost fumble by Faulk. The running game was moving the ball. Then The Pats decided to try and go for the big gainer on 3rd down instead of giving it back to their running backs. Result: incomplete. Punt. The Pats need to work the running game and keep Cincy's offense off the field. I hope they will quit trying to go for the home-run and just grind it down the field, with the running game and quick passes, like it's looks like they've been capable of doing...
The Pats need to take care of the ball too. Faulk almost fumbled it away on the 1st drive and the 2nd drive ended with an interception, not Tom Brady's fault, as it was tipped, but that does not mean Cincy has to give the ball back...
That's my armchair quarterback opinion for the 1st quarter. Time for the Pats to get their attitude going in the 2nd.
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