The outside noise was real entering Week 1.
The New England Patriots not only entered their game against the Bengals as a 7.5-point road underdog (they opened a 9.5-point underdog), but Cincinnati was the most popular pick in survivor pools. And NFL analysts never imagined the Joe Burrow-led offense would get handcuffed and out-snapped like it did.
A handful of Patriots players spoke out about the noise surrounding the team while others opted to pass on it. Jerod Mayo and Jacoby Brissett didn't exactly have a 'told-you-so' reaction after he 16-10 victory.
The Patriots social media team, however, took a well-deserved victory lap.