Prediction:
This one has the script flipped from 2 years ago when the Patriots came limping in at 2-2 and the Bengals were undefeated. Now it is Cincinnati who is struggling and they’re putting all hands on deck for this one as a 2-4 start would give them as many losses as they’ve had all of 2015.
The key for the Patriots is to start quickly. With Brady returning from suspension, the crowd will be very amped up for this game. A quick start for the Patriots will put an even greater onus on Dalton and the Bengals offense that will have to go to the silent snap count on the road.
Bill Belichick says that October is when you start finding out who your team is and what your team is all about. The defense for the Patriots is still trying to find itself, but this Patriots offense is just scratching the surface with Brady back and the two tight ends with Gronk and Bennett. While the big physical linebackers of the Bengals are tough in the running game, they may be at a big disadvantage here with the pass catching duo that New England will throw at them.
I think they’ll lean on the big men to get up ahead and stay that way. The Bengals will probably still be without Eifert and that will hurt their offense until he returns. Look for the special teams to make a big play this week in the return game. Patriots 31-20
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
