First-year head coach Jerod Mayo was as excited as anybody after the New England Patriots beat the Cincinnati Bengals — and deservingly so.
Mayo had his group able to play at Paycor Stadium following an up-and-down coaching camp and preseason. It helped New England not solely cowl the 7.5-point unfold, however stun the betting world and NFL analysts alike.
Patriots followers watched aggressive and complementary soccer after New England’s 2023 marketing campaign lacked each. Their emotions of triumph have been well-warranted. However that does not imply the Foxboro Trustworthy ought to get carried away.
“I do not even wish to get this win overblown,” Mayo stated on a video convention Monday morning. “It is one recreation. From a training perspective, our job is to show these guys the best way to win. While you win quite a bit, having that sense of urgency to not fall into being comfy (is large). We received one recreation.”
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It was a theme from Mayo.
When requested about particular groups coordinator Jeremy Springer and the particular groups, Mayo stated: “As soon as once more, I’d say it is one recreation. That is my job, to not solely guarantee that the gamers perceive that it is one recreation, but in addition the coaches that it is one recreation.”
Mayo laughed when requested whether or not gamers received a ‘Victory Monday.’
“Victory Monday?! It is one recreation!” Mayo exclaimed.
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That is the suitable mindset to have, little doubt. Patriots followers ought to really feel the identical means.
The Patriots cemented their components for achievement towards the Bengals. They gave operating again Rhamondre Stevenson the ball on greater than half of his snaps and let him run in heavier packages (Caedan Wallace as jumbo tight finish) and downhill schemes. They racked up 170 yards on the bottom.
However in addition they scored 16 factors, went 1-for-4 within the purple zone and recorded mere 4.8 yards per cross. New England’s floor recreation was good, however the cross safety and passing recreation left quite a bit to be desired. There’s purpose to consider it will not pay the identical dividends every week. Perhaps the Patriots simply benefited from dealing with a Bengals protection that was one of many worst within the league final yr? We noticed the shortcomings of the Patriots roster this summer time, and people are no completely different after one recreation.
On the opposite facet of the ball, New England’s protection impressed with their toughness and physicality. Keion White was a menace on the line of defense whereas cornerback Christian Gonzalez held Ja’Marr Chase to a few catches when he shadowed the star wideout. The Patriots did quite a bit to confuse quarterback Joe Burrow, too. It was a powerful debut.
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However DeMarcus Covington’s group will go up towards stronger competitors than what Cincy placed on tape in Week 1. The Bengals have been with out certainly one of their prime wideouts in Tee Higgins, a game-changer reverse of Chase. And Chase, who hadn’t practiced in the course of the preseason as a consequence of his contract state of affairs, certainly will likely be in higher situation and look higher in just a few weeks. The Patriots received the Bengals offense at a great time, although that is to no fault of their very own.
Patriots followers had each proper to be enthusiastic concerning the season-opening efficiency. It was encouraging, little doubt.
However as Mayo hinted himself, it is a lengthy season.
