Cincinnati, OH — Jacoby Brissett made a steady debut for the New England Patriots, guiding his team to a 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals without needing to be spectacular.
With a solid performance from Rhamondre Stevenson, who rushed for 120 yards and scored a touchdown in the first quarter, and Joey Slye adding three field goals, the Patriots secured a win in Jerod Mayo’s first game as head coach. The Bengals, plagued by mistakes, couldn’t keep pace.
Brissett, a nine-year veteran, was chosen by Mayo to start over rookie Drake Maye. His reliable play helped the Patriots sustain drives and keep the Bengals at bay. Mayo praised Brissett’s performance, noting his resilience and ability to handle both the physical and mental demands of the game.
“Jacoby was exceptional,” Mayo said. “He made plays both with his arm and his legs. He took some hits and kept going. He did everything we needed him to do.”
Mayo, a former Patriots linebacker and longtime assistant to Bill Belichick, is stepping into a significant role after Belichick’s departure following a disappointing 4-13 season. Patriots owner Robert Kraft presented Mayo with a game ball in the locker room, celebrating the successful start to the new era.
“I’m incredibly proud of the new players and coaches,” Kraft said. “People doubted we could pull this off, but everyone came through. I feel spoiled with this result.”
Brissett orchestrated a methodical 80-yard drive in the first quarter, which ended with Stevenson’s 3-yard touchdown run. The Bengals struggled throughout, managing only a few notable plays in an otherwise disappointing performance.
Cincinnati’s offense, led by Joe Burrow, faltered early, going three-and-out on their first three drives. Burrow did manage to move the Bengals into the red zone in the second quarter, but a potential touchdown pass to tight end Mike Gesicki was overturned upon review. A subsequent play saw Burrow’s pass to Tanner Hudson stripped by safety Kyle Dugger, with cornerback Marcus Jones recovering the fumble and returning it 17 yards.
Burrow, in his first fully healthy season opener since his rookie year, ended the game with 21 completions on 29 attempts for 164 yards. His top receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, who had been dealing with food poisoning and contract speculation, caught six passes for 62 yards.
In the second half, the Bengals’ troubles continued. Charlie Jones fumbled a punt, leading to a Patriots field goal. Later, Cincinnati fell short on a fourth-down pass, resulting in another turnover. The Bengals managed to score a touchdown with a 5-yard run by Zack Moss and a 51-yard field goal by Evan McPherson, but they couldn’t close the gap further.
With 2:56 left on the clock, the Bengals had one last chance but failed to gain a first down and chose to punt. Stevenson then secured the win for the Patriots by rushing for two first downs and running out the clock.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor highlighted the team’s struggles, including losing the turnover battle 3-0 and missed tackles that allowed 170 rushing yards.
“We have to take responsibility for the mistakes,” Taylor said. “In Week 1, losing the turnover battle like that is a recipe for defeat.”
Brissett, who started his career with the Patriots before playing for several other teams, was emotional about his return. “I think I cried three times before the game,” Brissett shared. “I cried when I got to the stadium, and again when Mayo came up to me. His confidence in me meant a lot.”
Up Next:
Patriots: Plays Seattle next Sunday at home.
Bengals: Travel to Kansas City next Sunday.
