The New England Patriots made it closer than it needed to be, but they came to Cincinnati and recorded a huge upset in Week 1. The Patriots came into Cinncanti as 7.5-point underdogs, but they defied the odds and notched the victory to move to 1-0 on the season.
Now it’s time to examine who propelled the Patriots to victory and which players struggled against the Bengals.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo spoke all week about the Patriots utilizing their run game in Cincinnati, and it came to fruition on Sunday. Newly extended running back Rhamondre Stevenson ran 25 times for 120 yards and caught three receptions for six yards. Stevenson also scored the game’s first touchdown and ran for 100+ yards for the fifth time in the NFL.
CB Marcus Jones
After missing a large chunk of last season, Jones picked up right where he left off and had an impressive start to his 2024 season. He returned punts, was the starting slot cornerback, and even saw reps at safety. He had two early tackles that forced fourth-downs
for the Bengals and an extensive fumble recovery to return the ball to the Patriots’ offense.
DE Keion White
The most dominant player on the field Sunday was none other than Keion White. White should be able to fill some of the void without Matthew Judon on the team. The second-year player finished with four tackles, 2 1/12 sacks, and one forced fumble. There’s no question he could become a force for the Patriots and in the NFL.
Duds:
LT Chuks Okorafor
Left tackle Chukwuma Okorafor was pulled in the first quarter after allowing three pressure on seven dropbacks. The veteran was signed in free agency last off-season after spending a good chunk of time with the Steelers. Vederian Lowe took over for him and finished the game at tackle. Unfortunately, Okorafor might see his name fall on the depth chart.
S Dell Petus
Well, the first play of the season for the 2024 Patriots was a penalty. And that’s the only reason the undrafted free agent finds himself on this list. Pettus will learn from his rookie mistake and look to bounce back next week.
DB Marco Wilson
The Patriots had start on the outside and Joe Burrow targeted the veteran corner often. One of the biggest plays of the day came when Burrow targeted Wilson in coverage and gained 25-yards.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
