Analyzing the New England Patriots 3 potential playoff matchups
By Max Bozicas
New England Patriots @ Cincinnati Bengals
Things have changed quite a bit since the Patriots and Bengals last faced each other, which was in 2019. At that time, the Bengals were one of the worst teams in the NFL, while the Patriots were in the last year of the Tom Brady era. resulting in a game that the Patriots won handily.
Now, both teams have new franchise quarterbacks. Joe Burrow is on a tear for the Bengals, throwing nukes to his former college teammate Ja’Marr Chase as if they’re still at LSU.
J.C. Jackson has covered some great receivers this season, but Chase would be his toughest task yet. That’s extremely high praise for a rookie receiver, but Chase has broken multiple rookie receiving records this year. He’s just that good, plain and simple.
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On the other side, Tee Higgins is no slouch and would likely draw Jalen Mills, who has had a solid year in his own right. Chase and Higgins are one of the best duos in the NFL, and they’ve produced as such.
The Bengals are a bit weak on the offensive line, and the Patriots would need to take advantage of that and get pressure on Burrow in order to slow down the Bengals passing attack. However, the Bengals also have one of the best running backs in the NFL in Joe Mixon who they could lean on in that scenario.
The Bengals rank near the bottom of the NFL in pass defense and near the top in run defense, which doesn’t bode well for a Patriots team that likes to run the ball.
The advantage for New England in this game would come from coaching. Bill Belichick will be coaching in the playoffs for the 19th time in his career, whereas this will be Zac Taylor’s first appearance in the playoffs as a head coach. Taylor’s lack of experience in meaningful January football could become relevant in a close game.