The Patriots improved to 10-2 with a 26-20 win over the Bengals, extending their league-best nine-game streak. Despite the result, the game was hardly smooth sailing for New England. Cincinnati was missing several veterans, including receiver Ja’Marr Chase but New England still survived.

Even with the uneven performance, a win is a win. The Patriots relied on timely playmaking to keep their season going, but key contributors and mistakes both shaped this important Week 13 victory.

Here are three studs and three duds from the Patriots 10th win of the season.

Studs

DB Marcus Jones

Marcus Jones continues to reach new heights, building expectations for a standout play each week. He delivered once again on Sunday.

His second-quarter pick-six flipped the game’s momentum. Jones read the route, beat the ball to the catch point, and ran untouched to give New England its first lead. This set the tone for the defense and gave the offense time to settle in to the game.

Late in the fourth quarter, with the Bengals closing in on the score, Jones broke up a fourth-down sideline pass to seal the win. When the team needs a moment, he delivers. Through 13 weeks, Jones has been among the league’s most impactful multiphase players.

TE Hunter Henry

When the passing game required stability, Hunter Henry provided it. This game was among the most productive of his career and stands out as his best of the season.

Henry caught seven passes for 115 yards and a touchdown, consistently working the seams and intermediate zones with Drak Maye. New England struggled early, but Henry kept drives alive with sharp routes and reliable hands.

Henry’s chemistry with Maye is now a critical component of the offense. While other aspects struggled, Henry executed effectively and fulfilled his role as a veteran presence.

K Andy Borregales

Rookie kickers are expected to experience challenges under pressure.

Borregales hit all four field goals, including a clutch 52-yarder in the final minutes that stretched the lead to six and forced Cincinnati to chase a touchdown.

On a day when the offense struggled in the red zone, Borregales delivered crucial points. His performance demonstrated maturity and continued to build trust in high-pressure situations.

Duds

QB Drake Maye

As we shift focus to the challenges, the numbers were not awful, Maye recorded his highest-yardage game with 296 yards. So, what was bad? The performance.

Maye looked uncomfortable early, sailing throws and missing open receivers. His pick-six on an overthrown ball to Henry capped a stretch that didn’t resemble his MVP-level play this season.

Maye responded in the second half with a 37-yard completion to DeMario Douglas on third and long from deep in his own territory, demonstrating his talent. His handling of pressure improved as the game progressed, and he avoided further turnovers after the early mistake.

Expectations for Maye remain high, and he acknowledged he did not meet his standard in this game. In a tighter contest, such early deficits could be costly.

Short Yardage and Goal Line Execution

Short yardage and goal line execution proved the most challenging aspect of the game.

After a long pass interference set up first and goal at the five, New England failed to score on nine straight plays, repeatedly stuffed at the one. They lost at the line, and overly creative play-calling backfired, ending with a turnover on downs near the end zone.

Even later in the game, Maye was stopped on a quarterback sneak from inches away.

The Patriots had established a strong running game throughout the season, making this negative outcome notable. In playoff scenarios, these failed opportunities could be decisive. Addressing the issue is a priority.

QB Offensive Line Injuries and Protection Issues

Despite challenging circumstances, the unit’s results were problematic. The Patriots lost both rookies on the left side—Jared Wilson and Will Campbell—to injury, and right tackle Morgan Moses briefly exited as well.

The impact was immediate. Garrett Bradbury was beaten multiple times in the middle and was unable to generate movement in key short yardage situations.

The Patriots had enjoyed strong continuity up front all year. That stability vanished in Cincinnati, and it showed. With the playoffs approaching, this group’s health is a major concern.

Next is a Monday Night Football matchup with the Giants, where the Patriots seek to match their longest single-season winning streak since 2015.