The New England Patriots shocked a lot of people with their Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals -- except for maybe themselves. The Patriots' defense set the tone early, forcing the Bengals to a three-and-out on their first three possessions. Then New England's offense drove 80 yards on its second drive, capped off by a Rhamondre Stevenson three-yard touchdown run.
Even though the Patriots never trailed in the contest, the Bengals punted the ball to New England with 2:26 remaining in the game. With the Patriots up 16-10, it would typically be less stressful, but given how New England's offensive line floundered in the preseason, and Cincinnati had all three of its timeouts remaining, the pressure was on to hold the ball and secure head coach Jerod Mayo his first win.