The two and two Patriots currently sit locked in a three way tie for 1st in the AFC East. Not many fans expected these first games of the year to include a race for the AFC East crown but nevertheless, New England is caught up in one.
The Bills, Dolphins and Patriots are all 2 and 2 this season and each have suffered through unsatisfactory performances at the quarterback position throughout the season. But what makes the fact that the Dolphins and Bills are in contention great and the fact that the Patriots are tied for 1st not so great is the fact that Buffalo and Miami’s quarterbacks are not named Tom Brady.
The longtime Patriot offensive cornerstone has suffered statistically this season despite the return of several key targets. Tossing a sub 60 completion percentage against the defenses of the Dolphins, Vikings, Raiders and Chiefs respectively, Brady was finally pulled prior to the 4thquarter of last week’s game.
The move came as a shock to Patriots fans and reporters alike who noted such a move as one of the first of its kinds in the Brady era. However, following the 41-14 loss to Kansas City, the second worst in the Belichick era, the team was tight lipped.
“Were on to Cincinnati,” were 4 words uttered by Belichick no less than 15 times in his press conference Monday night while Brady later tried to differ any thoughts of his benching being disciplinary.
"Like (Belichick) always says, ignore the noise and just stay focused on what we need to do, stay focused on what our process is to try to make the improvement," he said. "We've got an important job to do this week and the clock is ticking."
The Bengals are, at least in terms of winning percentage, the best team the Patriots have faced all season coming into Week 5 undefeated.
" They're tough, they're physical, they're explosive," Belichick said of the Bengals. "It's been a while since I've seen a team that's as complete as they are."
A big reason for Cincinnati’s success this season has been the resurgent play of 4th year QB Andy Dalton. Dalton has a 95.5 passer rating this season having thrown for an average of 240 yards a game and notably snagging a 18 yard touchdown reception two weeks ago.
Beyond Dalton though, the Bengals are stacked with receivers like the ever talented AJ Green and an elusive tight end named Jermain Gresham.
Using those talents, Cincinnati mauled the Patriots only a year ago in a humbling near shutout of the then dynastic club.
"Over the last couple of years we've been winning the games like that, the ones we're supposed to win," said left tackle Andre Whitworth of last season’s Patriot record crushing win.
The same could be argued to have meaning this season. The Patriots are playing poorly and the Bengals are well aware of that. Brady, who sits just 60 passing yards shy of 50,000 in his career coming into this game knows that as well.
The game will be closer than was expected at the beginning of the year simply because of the tectonic statistical shifts in the Patriots persona this season.
“They’ve got a good football team; good organization,” Belichick said, “It will be a big challenge for us Sunday night. Looking forward to the opportunity and it will be good to get back on the field.”
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