12-23-2022, 05:35 PM
I think this game is pretty simple, really.
If the Bengals contain New England's run game, then they will win. Mac Jones and company simply don't have enough juice to win this game if they don't have everything opened up for them by Rhamondre Stevenson. That's why the Sam Hubbard injury looms large, because outside DJ Reader and maybe the two linebackers, he is the most important cog in the Bengals run defense machine. They're going to have to step up in his absence. If the Patriots are able to run the ball and control the line of scrimmage on offense, then that'll simplify everything for Mac Jones and make this game a dangerous one.
If the Bengals DO stop the run consistently, then I think it'll just be a win, period. Even if the Patriots play strong defense, the offense would likely only need to generate about 20 points to take care of business.
If the Bengals contain New England's run game, then they will win. Mac Jones and company simply don't have enough juice to win this game if they don't have everything opened up for them by Rhamondre Stevenson. That's why the Sam Hubbard injury looms large, because outside DJ Reader and maybe the two linebackers, he is the most important cog in the Bengals run defense machine. They're going to have to step up in his absence. If the Patriots are able to run the ball and control the line of scrimmage on offense, then that'll simplify everything for Mac Jones and make this game a dangerous one.
If the Bengals DO stop the run consistently, then I think it'll just be a win, period. Even if the Patriots play strong defense, the offense would likely only need to generate about 20 points to take care of business.
