The New England Patriots have heard all the talk about their easy schedule, but they couldn’t care less. All that matters is Drake Maye and the offense continuing to deliver, regardless of the opponent.
Still, Week 12 just got even more favorable. Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor announced Monday that the team’s star edge rusher, Trey Hendrickson, is doubtful for Sunday’s matchup with New England.
With Cincinnati’s only true disruptor likely sidelined, the MVP candidate could be in for a matchup that further boosts his résumé.
Bengals' Trey Hendrickson Doubtful Against Patriots
“Bengals head coach Zac Taylor says Trey Hendrickson remains week to week and is doubtful again for Sunday’s game vs. the Patriots,” according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Hendrickson suffered a core muscle injury in Week 8 against the Jets, which Ian Rapoport described as an injury “formerly called a sports hernia” in an NFL.com report.
The 30-year-old edge rusher was reportedly on the Patriots’ radar as a trade target during the offseason. Now, his absence favors the Patriots heading into Week 12. It’s another hit to a battered Bengals defensive front, coming just days after rookie defensive lineman Shemar Stewart was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Cincinatti's Defense in a Freefall
Cincinnati’s defense has been the team’s weakness for multiple seasons, but Hendrickson has been the lone force holding it together. He led the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024, earned First-Team All-Pro honors, and finished as runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year.
However, between a training camp holdout and this midseason injury, Hendrickson’s individual brilliance hasn’t been nearly enough. The Bengals' defense is in freefall. Including the game in which Hendrickson exited early, Cincinnati has surrendered 120 points over its last three games.
Cincinnati ranks near the bottom of the league in most defensive categories. Their pass-rushing production is particularly alarming. With just 14 sacks (31st in the league) and a 29.2% pressure rate (30th per Sharp Football Analysis), the unit has struggled even with a premier edge talent.
Without a reliable pass rush, the rest of the defense has crumbled. As of Nov. 17, they are 31st in yards per play allowed (6.4) and last in points per drive allowed (2.9).
Hendrickson's Absence Will Have Major Impact on Week 12
Regardless of who lines up on the other side, Drake Maye and the Patriots have produced every week.
As of Nov. 17, Maye ranks in the top three in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and quarterback rating. New England is averaging 26.5 points per game, its highest mark since the 2021 season. The offense has already surpassed its 2024 season scoring total in just 11 games.
Sacks allowed remain the most consistent offensive issue. Maye has been taken down 36 times, second-most in the NFL.
But against a Hendrickson-less Bengals defense, that weakness should be minimized. Cincinnati blitzes less than any team in football (15.2%, per Sharp Football Analysis), relying heavily on Hendrickson to generate pressure. Without Hendrickson and Stewart, they project to have almost no ability to collapse the pocket unless they make a dramatic philosophical shift. Even then, Maye has handled pressure far better against better defenses this season.
Cincinnati’s run defense is equally concerning. It ranks last in the NFL in rush stuff rate (11.4%, per Sharp Football Analysis). After weeks of inconsistency, New England’s ground game has started to find its rhythm, which should further tilt the matchup.
Simply put: the Bengals enter Week 12 with almost no margin for error.
Week 12 is the Patriots’ Game to Lose
At 9-2, the Patriots have won eight straight and sit tied with Denver for the best record in the AFC. They control their path to a division title, a home playoff game, and even the No. 1 seed if they continue winning.
With Trey Hendrickson sidelined, Shemar Stewart on IR, Ja’Marr Chase suspended, and Joe Burrow unlikely to return, the Bengals present far less resistance than usual. Don't expect Mike Vrabel to allow his team to be anything less than prepared for business, though.
The Patriots have been warned about “trap games” all season with the level of competition they've faced. This week provides another example of an opponent that should be no match, but it will fall on the team's focus and execution, because no wins are guaranteed in the NFL.