Unlocking Victory: 8 Key Insights from the Patriots’ Win Against the Bengals in Week 12

The New England Patriots showcased their strategic skills in a recent game, highlighting key plays and challenging scenarios. One standout moment was when WR DeMario Douglas ran a motion route, setting the stage for a touchdown by exploiting coverage weaknesses. His movement drew safety Geno Stone downfield, opening up space for WR Hunter Henry to score easily.

Henry wasn’t alone in his performance. TE Jonnu Smith also made big contributions with several game-changing receptions. The duo combined for 10 catches and 154 yards, demonstrating the value of their experience on a young team.

Defensively, cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III faced off against Bengals WR Tee Higgins, especially impactful given that star Ja’Marr Chase was suspended. Gonzalez shadowed Higgins effectively, allowing just three catches for 20 yards. Despite some challenges, the Pats handled Higgins’s routes well, limiting his impact on the game.

In the interior defensive line, the absence of DT Milton Williams (injured) tested the Patriots. They turned to players like Cory Durden and Eric Gregory. Despite some successful plays, the run defense struggled, allowing Bengals RB Chase Brown to gain over 100 yards, a first for any rusher against the Patriots this season. This drop-off in defensive performance shows a significant contrast from earlier weeks, emphasizing a need for improvement.

On offense, rookie RB TreVeyon Henderson took the lead, handling over 65% of the snaps and gaining 66 rushing yards. Meanwhile, veteran Rhamondre Stevenson returned but faced challenges in short-yardage situations. Henderson’s strong showing underscores the promise of New England’s younger players.

We also saw notable adjustments in the offensive line. With injuries affecting key players, Vederian Lowe and Ben Brown stepped in. Their initial performances have highlighted the importance of depth in the roster as they manage pressures and block effectively to support the quarterback.

Special teams also had their moments, with rookie kicker Andy Borregales hitting all six of his attempts, including a crucial 52-yarder that extended the Patriots’ lead. Meanwhile, rookie WR Kyle Williams stepped up as a kickoff returner, showcasing his speed and ability to impact the field. Unfortunately, the team did face a setback with Brenden Schooler leaving the game due to an ankle injury.

As the Patriots navigate injuries and work to maintain their strong start, the need for depth and adaptability will be critical as they aim for continued success this season.

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Game Observations,Postgame Analysis,Postgame-Content,hp-article,hp-featured,New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals (2025-REG-12)