Pats Bang the Bengals

John Ahern

All week long prior to Sunday's game the talk had been centered around the demise of a future hall of fame quarterback and an offensive line that was considered by some in the know to be the worst in the league. At least for this week, that theory has been put on hold.

Tom Brady and his offense looked by far the best it has all season. In a balanced attack that was just what the doctor ordered, Brady,went 23-35 for 292 and a touchdown, and maybe more importantly, was protected very well by his offensive line that played aggressive and inspired. On the ground they were led by Steven Ridley (27-113 yds.1td) and Shane Vereen (9-90 yds.) amassing the bulk of the teams 220 via the rush in the teams 43-17 victory against previously unbeaten Cincinnati in front of 68,756 rowdy fans at Gillette Stadium.

Eight different players caught passes led by Rob Gronkowski (6-100 yds. 1 td.) in his best effort thus far, and Tim Wright (5-85 yds. 1 td.) exceeding by one his total catches on the year up to that point.
Much like the offense, the defense righted the ship after a less than stellar performance after the previous week. Jerrod Mayo led a containing unit with 8 tackles and the secondary, who at times looked a bit shaken, was able to neutralize any severe damage by the Bengals tandem of A.J. Green and Mohamed Sanu. But make no mistake, the victory Monday was a by product of the offense. Green and Sanu each caught scoring passes and just when you felt the momentum shifting, New England was able to answer with scoring drives of their own. The Bengals were no match for the Patriots on this given Monday. For the moment, anyway, the sky is crystal clear.

News and Notes:

• - The Bengals defense had been averaging 11 ppg. against entering the game.
• - Patriots DT Casey Walker's sack of Andy Dalton was the first of the season on the Cincinnati signal caller.
• - Brady surpassed the 50,000 yard mark passing for his career.
• - Brady matched his season high of 7 completions of 10 or more yards down field.
• - Bengals QB Andy Dalton is 2-4 in prime time games in his career, 31-15 in all others.

More WBOB Sports

• Chicago to Host 2015 NFL Draft
  
  Former U.S. District Judge Barbara Jones to Serve as Hearing Officer in Ray Rice Appeal
  
  Pace of Game Initiatives to be Tested at Arizona Fall League
  
  MLB Reports Record Attendance In 2014